Data center decommissioning involves disposing of an organization’s data centers infrastructure in a manner that eliminates all possible risks of sensitive data falling into the wrong hands. Since it is so important for the security of data, it should never be taken lightly. The larger the data center infrastructure you have, the more serious you should be about it.Depending on the size and complexity of your data center, data decom services may involve some or all of the following:

• Removal of servers, computers, switches, accessories, cabling, UPS, HVAC and generators
• Disposal of old storage devices and materials, such as hard drives, CDs and DVDs
• Safe disposal of hazardous waste materials
• Recycling of materials
• Demolition of data center sites and waste removal
• Liquidating unwanted assets, such as old computers, UPS, HVAC and generators

Decommission your data center forces you to make many adjustments in the day-to-day business of your organization. Employees who have been accustomed to the old way of working take time to adjust to the new system. Many of your clients may still be accessing data from the old system. Therefore, you should create a comprehensive strategy before starting work.In order to ensure that the entire process will be completed within the given timeframe, it is important to develop a timeline for taking into account factors like time to decommission, environmental impacts, and the costs involved. Before starting the process, you may be required to do the following:

• Review the lease agreement to make sure that you will not be in breach of the agreement
• Inform all stakeholders of the plan to decommission the data center
• Terminate existing service contracts for all your equipment
• Create an inventory of assets to ensure that nothing will be lost
• Hire professionals for data decommissioning services

Hiring a data center decommissioning company ensures that your data center will be decommissioned using EPA-certified standards, all federal and state safety standards will be met, and all security measures will be applied to prevent data loss and theft. The services provided by a data center decommissioning company include the following:

• Project management
• Data center decommissioning and site demolition (if required)
• Disposal of unneeded assets (through destruction or sale)
• Disposals of hazardous materials
• Site restoration

Professionals from a data center decommissioning company take a highly structured approach to the decommissioning and demolition (if required) of the data center. From start to finish, they adhere to all safety standards to ensure that no data is lost and no damages to the environment are caused. Their method involves the following steps:

• Identification of requirement
• Project specification and scope of work definition
• Presentation of project parameters and proposal
• Scheduling and project coordination
• Project execution (data center decommissioning and demolition)
• Disposal of assets (through destruction or sale)
• Site restoration

Properly decommissioning a data center ensures that no data will be lost, which is of paramount importance in today’s highly competitive business environment where loss or theft of sensitive data can jeopardize your company’s competitiveness.