Welcome to the final part of our data center migration series! If you've been following along, you're already familiar with physical relocations and virtual migrations as standalone approaches. You can read parts one and two below:
Today, we're examining hybrid migrations.
Hybrid Migrations
A hybrid migration involves deploying hardware at one or more target sites and configuring cloud landing zones, using a combination of migration methodologies to transition workloads across on-premises and cloud environments. A portion of the environment is virtually migrated, while a portion of the environment is physically relocated. The process repeats with waves of virtual migrations and physical relocations until complete.
“The hybrid approach provides the perfect balance of flexibility and practicality." – Frank Maniaci, Project Manager
Key Benefits:
- Maintains flexibility to execute against strategic transformation goals while serving tactical move requirements
- Risk profile tailored to client requirements
- Eliminate downtime for critical workloads
- Ability to continue to use new hardware that is not near EOL
- Cost-effective, physical relocation option for non-production & non-critical workloads
"We helped a Fortune 500 client relocate their data center in phases, moving critical systems first. They kept their operations running smoothly while spreading both the work and the costs over time." – Domingo Chen, Project Manager
Primary Challenges:
- Complex planning requirements due to potential dependencies, shared hardware, network requirements at the source and target, and cloud adoption
- Requires a multidisciplinary team and cross-functional coordination between infrastructure, security, networking, and app teams
- May require careful cloud landing zone planning and standup
"The complexity of hybrid migration shouldn't be underestimated. You’re essentially managing multiple migrations in one. We recently led a project that took eight months to complete. Each phase required its own planning, testing, and execution. Success depends on orchestrating all these moving parts while keeping business running as usual." – Art Dooling, Managing Director, Align Assessments & Modernization
Success Story: Global Bank's Strategic Consolidation
A global retail bank needed to consolidate two data centers (11,000 sq. ft.) into one 3,000 sq. ft. facility before their lease expired. The Align team used a hybrid approach with pre-tested seed equipment and carefully planned migration waves. Click here to read the success story.
Making Your Migration a Success
Successful data center migration isn't just about moving servers from point A to point B—it's about understanding your organization's unique needs and constraints. Whether you choose a physical migration for its simplicity, a virtual migration for minimal disruption, or a hybrid approach for flexibility, the key lies in careful planning and expert execution.
Through hundreds of successful migrations across industries, Align's Assess & Modernize team has learned that no two projects are exactly alike. But they all share one common thread: the need for a well-planned strategy backed by experienced teams who've navigated these waters before.
Ready to start planning your data center migration? Let our team of experts help you identify the appropriate migration strategy. Contact us for a consultation tailored to your organization's specific needs.
