REALIZE TRANSFORMATION WITH OPTIMAL PLANNING

Data center transformation

Our definition of data center transformation covers not only conventional IT environment relocation and migration but also the migration of workloads to new target architectures – for example to the cloud.

IT transformations such as these represent a real challenge for every company, as the existing environment is impacted profoundly while ongoing operations must remain unimpaired.

A company’s IT structure has often developed over a number of years and the inherent dependencies can be far from obvious. Because of the complexity and multi-layered nature of the system, special approaches and optimal preparation are therefore required.

Simple, linear models are far too inadequate to handle this complexity, not least because the process involves the bringing together of a range of stakeholders. 

The active migration takes place within a relatively brief time window, requiring optimal preparation, planning, and coordination. There must also be great attention to detail, building on a firm foundation of expert knowledge and experience.

The hallmark of our approach to such a transition is that we look at your organization as a whole – we include all aspects and carefully plan and implement each step with you.

Our consultants support you with their many years of experience and our proven GORDIS methodology.

The following key areas are covered:

Agreement must be reached on the specific areas of focus and areas of responsibility as well as the optimal project duration and schedule. Every company has different requirements regarding the security and availability of the data center. Together, we come up with a jointly agreed framework.

Targeted, careful preparation and supervision is the cornerstone of a smooth, successful transition. The hardware and software landscapes are thoroughly analyzed and documented. In addition, the project team classifies all existing services and their dependencies. This extends across current contracts, data backup, and interfaces all the way to the physical environment, power, climatic conditions, weight, etc.

By holding workshops and involving all the relevant stakeholders in the initial stages, we can identify and address problems before they come up. We therefore act as a “mediator”, bringing together and harmonizing the different perspectives that exist within your organization. This prevents misunderstandings and inspires confidence.

What goes in which box? After an inventory has been taken, logical packages have to be specified for each phase of the move: first comes the rough planning phase, then the detailed planning phase. We will put together “relocation packages” from the data: the smallest units of interdependent elements that absolutely must be moved together. We will play out possible scenarios, formulate contingency plans, draw up operational checklists, and go through “emergency drills” with the relocation teams. 

There will be a final check of the physical equipment and environment. Staff and resources will be evaluated and responsibilities specified. Frequently, practice runs are carried out to actively test the data transfer. This enables us to pinpoint any difficulties in advance.

The actual move itself often takes place within a relatively brief period. Coordination and communication as well as the monitoring and harmonization of parallel processes are the prerequisites for ensuring the actual move goes smoothly. After the move, there will be a final check to verify that all the systems in place are running smoothly. Then there will be a concluding assessment of the entire process.