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Data Center Decommissioning and What to Know Before Starting the Process

Is your technology company using outdated security systems to protect your data center technology? Your older software leaves stored information at risk and vulnerable to malicious attacks. With new forms of hacking and a growing culture for selling data, maintaining a high level of security is more important than ever.

Keeping your clientele's data secure protects your company's accountability and the individuals that trust their personal details in your system. Therefore, data center decommissioning is essential to migrating to better functional systems.

Not sure what decommissioning is or how it works? Keep reading to learn about the process, requirements, and potential methods of dealing with the retired equipment.

What Does it Mean?

Data center decommissioning means retiring old equipment and the knowledge stored on it. While undergoing this, the content is migrated to newer equipment which provides better infrastructure.

It is ideal to hire a professional to enact this transfer to make sure someone managing the transition is knowledgeable and experienced. If not, you risk losing important figures.

Companies that offer data center decommissioning can also provide sub-services such as:

  • Appraisal
  • Liquidation
  • Equipment Recycling

Why Does it Matter?

Improper disposal of computer software and devices can increase susceptibility to malicious attacks. Having data incorrectly dealt with can leave it on a vulnerable server that hackers could still find access to.

Many organizations are given access to personal details about the individuals that have accessed your website. Even someone providing an email for contact is a form of trust within the business. If external forces access your database of email addresses, they can sell that information and cause negative impacts on your patrons. Additionally, if your customers know why spam emails have appeared, they likely won't continue their support.

But with new technology also comes new security. Migrating to advanced systems provides increased effective protection for your storage and ensures larger reliability within your company.

Migration Vs. Deletion

Deciding whether you keep the stored information is another thing to consider. Migrating the data is an option when the content is still potentially going to be used. A permanent deletion is an option as well, but one that is for retired storage only.

Moving your records is a complex problem with multiple opportunities for error. Being cautious not to misplace or ignore specific tables is important for a successful migration. Professional decommissioning services will ensure a seamless transition of data without disrupting your current website if the database is currently in use.

What Comes Next?

Once the data is gone from the devices, you'll be left with wiped equipment. Some services help liquidate and return profit from this technology, but it can get a little more complicated if the decommissioning process happens incorrectly. Ensuring that the information is completely erased and returned to its original state is essential for reselling, rentals, and liquidations.

There are government regulations regarding the state of the items sold and what can remain. Adhering to a strict organization system while going through the decommissioning process ensures little error and no missed unliquidated content/equipment.

In Conclusion

Managing and transferring your databases can be intimidating, but the process is important for your business to enhance security and software to encompass newer advancements.

The government has strict policies regarding this process, so while it is necessary to do it, it's also essential to do it correctly. We recommend working with professionals designated to aid in this process, so you can take the pressure off your shoulders to migrate the data successfully. However, you should provide an outline of what needs to be liquidated and moved to make sure nothing is neglected.

About The Author
Russell Emmental

Russell is a finance journalist and ex-banker. He lives in Utah with his family and is a keen aviation enthusiast in his spare time.

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