Intelligent Tech Channels Issue 12 | Page 50

EDITOR’S QUESTION Revamping your datacentre operations In the process of rebuilding its datacentre operations, an enterprise may opt for migration explains Sachin Bhardwaj at eHosting DataFort. Some essential elements and best practices, that can help mitigate the possible downside to datacentre migration, are listed below: is important that a thorough testing process is in place so that the migration can be assessed on a continual basis and bugs and contingencies can be isolated and addressed. Inventory of resources Audit and documentation It is important that the legacy system being replaced is thoroughly assessed and tabulated. Several layers of technology – both hardware and software – are likely to be components in an existing system. Their interplay and codependence is a complex system that should be understood and accounted for prior to any migration. It is extremely important that the migration is well audited and documented. The future functional integrity and capabilities of a migrated system should be measured against both pre- migration capabilities and post migration expectations. A thoroughly audited migration also minimises the risk of vulnerabilities that are not apparent during initial test runs. Strategy for migration Sachin Bhardwaj is Director Marketing and Business Development at eHosting Datafort. C hange, even one for the better, comes with risk. Most legacy datacentres are sub-optimal in one way or another. The fact of the matter is that, as the role of data driven business processes evolves rapidly, most legacy datacentres are found wanting in either capacity, computational power or other limitations on throughput. A task as complex and multifaceted, as datacentre migration, requires a comprehensive and detailed plan for successful execution. Migrating to a colocation datacentre, or any new datacentre, should be accompanied by careful supervision and a well devised and executed strategy. Data and IT functionality are a critical element of any modern enterprise. While adopting a new datacentre strategy holds the promise of efficiency and leaner ongoing costs, the transition can also result in negative disruptive outcomes, if it is enacted badly. 50 W hat are some of the best practices for administrators when they choose to build or transform their data, security, network operation centres? Different enterprises have different functional priorities. A careful and detailed strategy not only reduces the chance of a nasty surprise, it also helps to identify the basic elements that the new system needs to address as a priority, so that the least amount of disruption is experienced and the migration can be measured against expectations on an ongoing basis. Identify risks Nearly any modern-day IT infrastructure is complex. Identifying likely sources of risk and creating strategies to minimise and mitigate them is essential to any datacentre migration. While it is likely to prove very difficult to identify every vulnerability, the process of listing likely risks does help in focusing the migration strategy. Detailed testing plan Testing, both pre and post migration, is an important element in maintaining the highest level of confidence in the integrity and capabilities of the IT infrastructure. It Involve experts A successful datacentre migration can revitalise and empower businesses. However, the process itself is a complex challenge. In order to enhance the possibilities of a positive outcome, it is advisable to involve individuals and entities who have proven credentials and relevant real-world experience. As in any other walk of life, experience is a valuable and hard-earned resource. A datacentre migration is an empowering strategy that can often create wonderful synergies and efficiencies within an organisation. However, a badly executed migration can be just the opposite. While such a move is a complex process, an enterprise can seek to limit any negative consequences through anticipation, planning and the involvement of experienced hands. It is important that an organisation undergoing the transition makes the effort to minimise disruption as well as maximising the benefits of the strategy.  Issue 12 INTELLIGENT TECH CHANNELS