February 4, 2012

Data Center Consolidation – the wrong way

Bandwidth of station wagon on New Jersey Turnpike fails real-life test

Loading up servers on a truck and transporting on I-95 is certainly not the most “IT” way of data center consolidation. It is not the most techy way, nerdy way or even a cowboy way. And if you had to do this (first of all, don’t), at least pick a different Interstate. It takes too long to get anywhere on I-95.  Should I even ask if the guys had a prepared a special full backup before that stupid-a-move ? (and that those backup tapes are not in the same truck as the equipment)

No one looks forward to a data center migration. Consolidation of multiple data centers is even a bigger headache. Because of the dollar amount of the equipment and the event involved, it is quite normal and standard procedure to employ specific move management firms that handle all aspects of this operation. Even then, there will always be something that will go wrong. Get this in your head early – there is no such thing called a “smooth operation” here. I have not heard of any.

If you find yourself in an opportunity to participate in such an exercise, then I highly recommend it. It is painful, most times boring and bad news all over. But it is an invaluable experience and makes you a better planner.

Comments

  1. BB says:

    shoulda used Hi-Tech movers :-)

  2. HeavyGod says:

    Really good and really interesting post. I expect (and other readers maybe :)) new useful posts from you!
    Good luck and successes in blogging!

Trackbacks

  1. [...] http://rajeev.name/2007/11/11/data-center-consolidation-the-wrong-way/ Loading up servers on a truck and transporting on I-95 is certainly not the most “IT” way of data center consolidation. It is not the most techy way, nerdy way or even a cowboy way. And if you had to do this (first of all, don’t), at least pick a different Interstate. It takes too long to get anywhere on I-95.  Should I even ask if the guys had a prepared a special full backup before that stupid-a-move ? (and that those backup tapes are not in the same truck as the equipment) [...]

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