The Data Center Decommissioning Process Explained

Looking for data center decommissioning services near Boston, MA? Data centers have become an indispensable part of modern business. Hosting applications and services, managing enormous amounts of information, and cloud computing — the use of data centers has grown exponentially over the past decade and there’s no sign of it slowing down anytime soon. That means not only building new facilities but also decommissioning data centers.

This article explains the process and the importance of hiring a reputable ITAD company to handle your data center decommissioning services. 

What is the Purpose of Data Center Decommissioning?

 

As the sheer volume of data and the demand for services grows, so too does the need to build new data centers. Naturally, data center decommissioning is also becoming increasingly in demand as companies seek to upgrade obsolete hardware and maintain their competitive edge. 

Whether you’re retiring your data center to transition to a cloud-based service or upgrading and expanding, it is absolutely critical that the decommissioning process is performed by a qualified ITAD company. Most companies and employees are well aware of the importance of network security within their workspace and the equipment they use every day. 

What is often overlooked however is the rest of the network. The data center is the invisible framework that everyone relies upon, but few outside of the IT department give much thought to it. What happens when the equipment in a data center becomes obsolete though? Data center decommissioning is the process that prepares the center for whatever comes next. 

Understanding Data Center Decommissioning

 

In its simplest sense. data center decommissioning is the process of securely deconstructing a data center to upgrade or retire it. Part of this process of safely and responsibly disposing of outdated or unnecessary data center equipment. It’s quite a bit more involved than just unplugging servers and hauling them away. 

It requires careful planning and execution to ensure that sensitive data is securely destroyed using the industry’s highest standards (NIST 800-88). Decommissioning also sees that equipment is recycled or disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. This is why it’s so important to enlist the services of a reputable ITAD company to decommission your data center. 

Why is Decommissioning Essential for Data Security?

 

Data centers often hold a wealth of sensitive information. If not properly decommissioned, this data can fall into the wrong hands, leading to serious consequences such as data breaches, identity theft, and hefty non-compliance fines. Proper decommissioning by a trustworthy ITAD company with a solid track record is essential to ensure the thorough destruction of data. There is simply too much at stake to take shortcuts here. 

Proper data center decommission can protect your interests by:

• Ensuring that data is securely destroyed on all volumes following NIST standards.
• Maintaining a thorough and careful inventory of all equipment and assets.
• Getting you the maximum return on your equipment investment through resale. 

The Data Center Decommissioning Process Explained

 

1. Inventory Assessment: 

The first step is to assess and inventory all the equipment in your data center, noting details like brand, model, and any existing damage. This helps with both security and possible resale. 

2. Secure Data Erasure: 

All data stored on your servers, hard drives, and other devices must be securely destroyed. This isn’t as simple as hitting ‘delete’. Leading-edge ITAD companies like Brass Valley use protocols that adhere to the NIST 800-88 standard for data destruction. 

3. Physical Destruction: 

For highly sensitive data, physical destruction of the storage device may be necessary. This could involve shredding, crushing, or demagnetization.

4. Responsible Asset Disposition: 

Finally, the equipment is either recycled, resold, or disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner, in compliance with local and federal e-waste regulations.

Benefits of Working with a Top Tier ITAD Company like Brass Valley

 

1. Risk Management

Professional ITAD companies have the knowledge and resources to handle decommissioning in accordance with industry best practices and regulatory standards. They can help you avoid the risks associated with data breaches and non-compliance fines.

2. Compliance Assurance

ITAD companies stay up-to-date with ever-changing data privacy laws and e-waste regulations. They can ensure that your data center decommissioning services and processes is compliant with all relevant legislation.

3. Environmental Responsibility & Compliance

ITAD companies are committed to minimizing e-waste by recycling or refurbishing old equipment wherever possible. This not only helps protect the environment but also enhances your company’s sustainability credentials.

Brass Valley: The Gold Standard in ITAD Risk Management 

 

Sound IT asset disposition (ITAD) policy is a must-have for any modern company. The most practical way to ensure this is by working with specialists from a reputable ITAD company. Data center decommissioning services are an important part of ITAD planning for any company with data centers. Decommissioning a data center is a complex process that requires expertise and precision

Brass Valley is arguably the safest ITAD vendor in the U.S. With zero breaches in the over 20 years we’ve been in business, our track record and expertise speak volumes. Our elite-level shared risk model and High-Reliability processes offer unparalleled security for your valuable data. 

Find out how Brass Valley can decommission your data center and strengthen your company’s entire ITAD strategy today. Call us at  (844) 390-5366 or by submitting your details through our contact page.