Data migration checklist

 Data centers being a complicate system with software and hardware combined does require proper migration checklist to avoid risks of data loss, business failure and disruptions. This article explains about the checklist/guidelines for data center migration checklist. To start with first step, which is the reason for migration. A deep analysis of reasons for migrating should be understood along with the potential challenges an IT business will face. This would help the company saving more money which can be achieved along with Data consolidation and right sizing by combining the systems. Second step would be the clear cut plan mapped out for migration. This would include finances to be considered along with the limiting factors such as system availability, security of the data and new systems for potential growth in future. Next step would be getting everyone on board. Because a mere organizational change would affect the growth and future stakes of the company. Team effort would reduce panic the team would need to handle to migrate to the new system. It is also important that other employees knows about the migration deadlines and also address their concerns are well supported.

Fourth step forms the important core which is to identify the support systems such as hardware, software, network, servers, cooling and power systems and the data involved in the migration. This would help the system migrating smoothly without losing data. Fifth step would be identifying the data interruption/downtime during migration. This would though involve more planning with different functionaries and the windows of backup to provide help. Sixth step would developing the contingency plan and keep up with what may arise during migration. This will lessen the impact of problems arising during migration and also reducing the downtime. This would also include how much business would spend on devices to support and also form the future system. Next step would be dealing with the small stuffs such as enough support from staffs/people during the migration, unexpected delay and availability of devices at the right time.

Eight step would be taking baby steps and not giant leaps. Since the data transfer would require to happen in different steps, testing has to happen at different steps such as installation, deployment and dry run testing. IT team would also test the backup systems before making the change. Ninth step would be handling of the old system/devices for which a detailed decommissioning and rebuilding plan which will reduce the E-waste and also have old data wiped out completely. The final step would be the Process Update. This has to be done by managers who would be documenting the procedures/processes to help the staff/employees getting accommodated with the new system. When this checklist is followed by the team, the business would benefit from dealing with any problems arising during the migration.