{"id":50649,"date":"2021-11-23T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-11-23T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/data-center-transition-operations-plan-a-precision-critical-strategy\/"},"modified":"2023-03-02T05:26:20","modified_gmt":"2023-03-02T05:26:20","slug":"data-center-transition-operations-plan-a-precision-critical-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.techopedia.com\/data-center-transition-operations-plan-a-precision-critical-strategy\/2\/34637","title":{"rendered":"Data Center Transition Operations Plan: A Precision Critical Strategy"},"content":{"rendered":"

Data center<\/a> transformation and transition are inevitable at the rate of current growth. The evolution of a data center to satisfy business demand is a natural expected outcome. It should be complemented with highly efficient procedures so that risk mitigation is executed at the speed of business (balancing demand and change management<\/a>).<\/p>\n

In order to secure a successful transition project, you need a plan. Lack of familiarity with the process can lead to mishaps down the line or reluctance to change. This is not because of neglect but because of not having the experience to know what could happen if certain needs are not met. As experience grows, of course, organizations will learn their own truths about how to best support their operational models. But until then, here is a multi-phase approach that drastically reduces risk, every time.<\/p>\n

Remember, an operations advocate is essential to the success of the process at every stage of planning and implementation. Someone (or a team) who deeply understands the integration of the systems, technology and human activity in the data center; reaping the benefits of maximum uptime, efficiency and cost effectiveness.<\/p>\n

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A Roadmap for Transition Operations<\/span><\/h2>\n

This repeatable, four-phase approach leads to an outcome that relies on continuity and sustainability to ensure the safest, most reliable and efficient operations for the data center\u2019s lifecycle.<\/p>\n

Phase 1: Evaluate<\/h3>\n

\u25cf Consider your current situation and what is needed to identify gaps and risks. Mitigate risk by scoping how to handle the legacy infrastructure (virtual and physical). Do a comprehensive review of the existing operation to establish a baseline and ascertain any gaps that must be mitigated in the plan. Documentation is critical.<\/p>\n

\u25cf Classify your headcount and current staffing model. Ensure accurate roles and responsibilities for each position. Identify contracts and sub-contracts too. Spending quality time on the responsible, accountable, consulted and informed (RACI) model to ensure absolute clarity will help drive the process portion and ensure that the entire ecosystem of organizations supporting the function are aligned.<\/p>\n

\u25cf Take an asset inventory. Specify remaining warranties and lifecycle status.<\/p>\n

Phase 2: The Plan<\/h3>\n

\u25cf Ensure that a comprehensive life cycle management plan is in place for all hardware and equipment. Scoping the future needs to eliminate unnecessary hardware investments is as important as ensuring alignment with the budgeting process.<\/p>\n

\u25cf Secure buy-in. Estimate capacity for current needs\/ standards but also stakeholder expectations.<\/p>\n

\u25cf Schedule of implementations should be fully documented to include budget forecasts and processes to ensure executing to the budget. Make sure to measure your success with Service Level Agreements (SLAs)<\/a> and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)<\/a> as well as establish a reporting tempo.<\/p>\n

\u25cf Always analyze your operating procedures and make changes as needed for your new plan. Procedures that need to be changed should be subject to the same change management and information sharing requirements to ensure staff awareness and compliance.<\/p>\n

\u25cf Implement and evaluate required programs:<\/p>\n