CSG Protects Client Investment Executes European DC Consolidation
Following a large acquisition, a global technology leader needed to build out and consolidate its European data centers promptly, safely and with down time kept to a minimum. They turned to Cumulus Solutions Group (CSG) with its proven network of global resources to help execute the plan.
In total, the client aimed to move over 800 devices from locations in multiple countries to more centralized and advanced data centers. Amidst the planning process, the Covid-19 pandemic struck, causing delays on the delivery of the critical infrastructure required to complete the build out of the target sites. Recognizing that the same device models were recently delivered for future expansion at one of the clients US sites, a plan was developed that would keep the operation on schedule and on budget. CSG’s logistics team was tasked with shipping the US assets to sites in the UK & Germany. The team worked diligently with the client and helped navigate complex customs clearance challenges. CSG’s local engineers received, racked, cabled and configured the new hardware, ensuring its client’s tight timelines were met.
Build-out of European target sites: Mission Accomplished.
With the new data centers live, CSG leveraged its proven processes and tools to relocate approximately 300+ devices from Munich to Frankfurt and another 300+ devices within the UK. Throughout the relocation process, CSG provided its white glove treatment with experienced engineers and carefully tracked the exact state and location of each device in its custom-built system. Once all devices were safely packed and loaded, each truck was locked, sealed and tracked via GPS; again, ensuring the exact location of each device was known at all times. To further protect the assets, all routes were coordinated with security team escorts that closely followed the trucks all the way to the target sites.
Relocation of critical equipment: Mission Accomplished
As the trucks were enroute to the target sites, the CSG Asset Disposal team executed the required tasks for successful decommissioning of all assets remaining at the source data centers. Switches were un-racked and returned for use in the United States. Unwanted equipment was e-wasted, and certificates of destruction issued. Old racks and cable-trays/ladder-racks were removed and scrapped. A final sweep-out was performed, pictures were provided to the client, and the cleaned site was turned back over to the landlord.
Decommission of legacy facilities: Mission Accomplished
At the target sites, it was business as usual. CSG’s team of professionals successfully completed the rack and stack and they assisted in the configuration and troubleshooting of the relocated equipment.
Not a bad Euro-Trip: Mission Accomplished
Blog Author
Mark Vieira, Co Founder & Managing Partner
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