Tool
Data centre migration runbook builder
A migration runbook is a phase-based checklist covering discovery, planning, preparation, shutdown, transport, re-rack, verification, rollback and handover. Tasks appear conditionally based on your move type, so shipping adds packing tasks and decommissioning adds old-site tasks.
Enter your move details below. The runbook builds itself as you change the inputs.
Your move
Move details
Options
Discovery and audit
- Audit all racks, devices and circuits
- Document dependencies between systems
- Photograph current rack elevations
- Record serial numbers and asset tags
- Map network connections and patching
- Identify single points of failure
Planning and approvals
- Define move waves and sequencing
- Get change approval and freeze window
- Confirm rollback criteria
- Book facilities access for both sites
- Confirm insurance covers the move
Pre-move preparation
- Label every cable at both ends
- Take pre-move photos of every rack
- Verify backups are current and restorable
- Stage spares at destination
- Pack tools, labels and documentation
- Arrange packing materials and crates
- Confirm chain of custody process
Shutdown and de-rack
- Notify stakeholders of shutdown
- Gracefully shut down systems in order
- Power off and disconnect all cables
- Remove devices and place in crates
Transport
- Load crates onto transport
- Track shipment to destination
Re-rack, cabling and power-up
- Rack devices per elevation plan
- Reconnect power and verify circuits
- Patch network per documentation
- Power up in dependency order
Verification and testing
- Verify all systems are reachable
- Test application functionality
- Check monitoring and alerting
- Confirm circuits and cross-connects
Rollback criteria
- Define rollback trigger conditions
- Keep old space live until cutover confirmed
Handover and documentation
- Update asset records and CMDB
- Take post-move photos
- Hand over as-built documentation
- Close change ticket
Decommissioning
- Remove remaining equipment from old space
- Cancel circuits at old site
- Return access badges
Questions about migration runbooks
What is a migration runbook?
A runbook is a phase-based checklist covering discovery, planning, preparation, shutdown, transport, re-rack, verification, rollback and handover. Each phase has tasks with owners and checkboxes.
How are tasks filtered?
Tasks appear conditionally based on your inputs. Shipping adds packing and chain-of-custody tasks. Decommissioning adds old-site tasks. Circuits add verification tasks.
Can I export the runbook?
Yes. Copy as Markdown for documentation, or print for on-site use. The task list includes owners and checkboxes for tracking.
What is rollback criteria?
Rollback criteria define when to abort and revert. Keep the old space live until cutover is confirmed, especially when downtime is not allowed.
Related tools and services
Do this kind of work? Join the DataOptix engineer network.
Vetted independent engineers. Scoped jobs, no bidding.
Planning a migration?
Tell us the site, the task and the urgency. A coordinator replies within 2 business hours.