Data Center Decommissioning

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Understanding the Importance of Data Center Decommissioning

Are you affiliated with a business or institution? If so, can you identify the critical IT component of your organization? It’s the “Data Center”, the heart and soul of your company that harbors invaluable data. As time progresses, the data volume accumulated in the data center also multiplies.

Data Center Decommissioning refers to the elimination of IT assets from the data center, a task that carries a significant weight of risk regarding potential data loss. Companies embarking on the Data Center Decommissioning journey must be aware of essential considerations. It should be a meticulous process that minimizes business interruptions, safeguards data, and boosts the company’s data performance and efficiency. In essence, it must be successful on all fronts.

Several factors are fueling the expansion of the Data Center Decommissioning service sector:

Firstly, the current tendency of companies to transition from on-site data centers to cloud-based ones is likely to persist, and the rate of data center closures is set to accelerate in the upcoming four to five years. With the surge of this trend, we can predict a bright future for Data Center decommissioning service providers. From my perspective, this scenario is mutually beneficial.

The recent pandemic has forced numerous companies to reluctantly shut down their businesses, affecting both lives and livelihoods. Many small and large companies had to face downfall, resulting in the closure of their data centers. These businesses sold off their data center equipment, reinvesting the proceeds.

The scope of data decommissioning services will depend on the size and complexity of your data center. It may involve some or all of the following:

  • Removing servers, computers, switches, cables, UPS, HVAC, and generators, among other things.
  • Disposing of outdated storage devices and materials, like hard drives, CDs, and DVDs.
  • Secure disposal of hazardous waste materials.
  • Recycling materials.
  • Demolition of data center sites.
  • Liquidation of surplus assets, such as old computers, UPS, HVAC, and generators, etc.

Why is Decommissioning Important?

Wondering why you should opt for decommissioning? Here’s why:

  • Data Center Decommissioning enhances the performance and efficiency of data centers over time.
  • It boosts security and safeguards companies from devastating breaches. Old data centers are more susceptible to data vulnerability. By engaging a reputable data center decommissioning vendor, appropriate data sanitization steps can be undertaken to secure data.
  • Decommissioning enables companies to recover some of the initial data center investments. No matter the equipment you use in your data center, its value will depreciate over time, and it will eventually need to be retired. Through data center decommissioning, you can reinvest in your IT infrastructure.

The Data Center Decommissioning Process

Decommissioning of a data center by professionals involves a well-structured approach adhering to safety standards to prevent data loss and environmental impact. The decommissioning process typically follows these seven steps:

  1. Initial Set Up: Start by drafting a project scope to establish goals, expected outcomes, timelines, and milestones. Identify the available budget and the internal stakeholders involved in the project.
  2. Itemizing: Create an itemized asset list and a comprehensive inventory of assets, including hardware items such as servers, racks, networking gear, firewalls, routers, HVAC equipment, etc.
  3. Project Planning: Develop an implementation plan listing responsibilities and activities to be performed. Identify potential service downtime and create necessary workflows and backup systems to avoid critical data loss.
  4. Create or Update Asset Inventory: Identify the tools, material, and labor needed to complete the job. Task your project manager with ensuring work meets milestones and workflow requirements.
  5. Tearing Down and Wiping: Before decommissioning, review the hardware asset plan and asset recovery checklist with stakeholders and on-site team leaders.
  6. Packing of Equipment: Once the teardown is complete, the packing process can begin. Follow the handoff protocol for items earmarked for reuse within the organization.
  7. Coordination and Recovery: Liaise with IT and accounting teams to ensure disposed assets are recorded accordingly.

Is Decommissioning Required for Every Data Center?

Whether a data center needs decommissioning depends on various factors. If the data center was upgraded only a few years ago, decommissioning might not be necessary. However, the standard lifespan of data center equipment is 4-5 years. After this period, these assets need replacement, given their outdated technology and the potential risk of unauthorized data access.

If you’re looking for a data center decommissioning company, we can assist. Maxicom Singapore specializes in data center decommissioning. With our focus on efficiency and transparency, we’re sure to impress you. Why risk your data and compromise performance when you have reliable security options at your disposal?