subject: Say No to the Status Quo: Data Center Relocation Benefits [print this page] Say No to the Status Quo: Data Center Relocation Benefits
Let's say you've been somewhat unhappy with your data centerenergy costs or local taxes might too be high, it might be poorly designed or prone to problems, or it might be just plain too small to maximize your company's potentialthere's no reason to feel stuck with the status quo.
Think of your server rooms and data centers as nimble, flexible tools. Even with all that equipment, and all the risk of how extensive server downtime could frustrate your customers and clients and throw a big wet rag on your profits, you should be willing and ready to move when there's a more ideal situation somewhere else whether it's across your building, or all the way across the country.
Here are just three benefits of being nimble:
1. Go Where Costs are Lowest
Energy costs are like termites nibbling away at your budget. If you let them get out of control, the whole profitability structure could come crumbling down. Since energy costs aren't the same from state to state across the country (or even from county to county within a state), you could reap enormous savings by moving to a cheaper location.
Furthermore, don't forget to consider the impact on local taxes, labor pools, environmental restrictions, and cost of living factors. Add them all up, and these little nickle-and-dime costs could put a huge dent in your company's profitability.
In other words, not all data center locations were created equal. Go where your company fits the best.
2. Grow. Adapt. Meet Your Potential.
Let's say business has been utterly boomingyou tapped into an overlooked market that was fully ripe to be tapped, venture capitalists are lining up at the door, and numbers are skyrocketing. You don't really have a choice you need to expand your server room capabilities, and you need to do it quickly.
It's important to maintain the mindset that a data center migration can happen when it needs to happen. If you're caught off guard or unwilling to deal with the stress and hassle of a server room move, you'll miss short windows of opportunity when they open. Similarly, if you're in a larger space than is necessaryand thus overpaying on rent and energy costsyou need to be able to downsize quickly.
3. Reorganize With Fresh Eyes
One hidden benefit of a data center migration is the chance to examine your operation, inventory your assets, shake out inefficiencies, and start over again lean, clean, and ready to perform.
When you've been in one location for a while, it can start to be tough to see glaring inefficiencies. A relocation is a great time to take a step back, see everything as fresh, and implement the best possible system your company needs to thrive.
Furthermore, relocations are great times to upgrade your assets and equipment in ways that will improve performance and lower long-term costs.
Of course, each of these benefits could be quickly wiped out if your data center relocation is poorly planned and executed. Plan for unexpected problems, do a thorough inventory, and hire an expert support staff your company will start reaping the benefits both now and far into the future.
