Data centers are changing. Adding more rack UPS or portable cooling systems to conceal flaws and issues in your infrastructure design isn’t going to work any longer. If you want your data center to run without a hitch and to reduce any risk of disaster, then it’s time for you to invest in a facility upgrade.

Planning is Key

Don’t rush into anything. Plan it out if you want to reduce any risks that come with data center upgrades. Get an impact assessment to help you determine possible issues. Upgrading without incurring any downtime requires planning and careful thought. Hiring the services of a data center solutions partner can make that possible.

Determine the Challenges

One of the first things your data center service provider must undertake is to identify the problems that will come up while upgrading your IT systems. Expect an inventory of your existing equipment. The data center solutions firm should also review your facility’s cooling requirements, power consumption levels and more since these will provide the information needed to work out what you will need out of your new or upgraded infrastructure.

Mitigate the Risk

Your data center needs to be secure, especially when upgrades are carried out. If you are working with a solutions provider, make sure you know who’s going to come and go from the facility. If it’s going to become a work zone, then eliminate any clutter and keep everything organized. That’s going to help ensure efficiency and minimize the effect of ongoing upgrades to your daily operations.

Get a Better PDU

If your team spends an inordinate amount of time whenever your power distribution unit or PDU need to be serviced, then that’s a lot of time wasted. Your data center solutions provider may recommend replacing your existing machines with power distribution units built with features and capabilities that meet your requirements better. Hiring a company that can provide custom PDUs is another option you’ll want to explore.

Don’t Neglect Maintenance

Make sure you ask about the data center maintenance requirements of any new machines, equipment or setups that your solutions provider will design and build. If they offer maintenance checks and services, then hire them to keep an eye on your system.

Find the Right Service Provider

It’s important that you partner with the right data center solutions provider. Look for a firm that has solid expertise, years of experience, and the technical knowledge to provide you with everything you need, from a business continuity plan to better power distribution units. Reach out to LDP Associates for more details.