Secure Data Centre Decommissioning for a Leading IT Managed Services Provider
A controlled approach to secure asset removal, tracking and destruction
When a data centre reaches the end of its operational life, organisations need a clear process for managing the decommissioning of racks and kit. For procurement and IT teams, this means selecting a partner that can combine secure asset handling with reliable logistics, accurate reporting and the right compliance controls. We supported a leading IT Managed Services Provider with the decommissioning of its data centre, managing 17 assets through collection, transportation, tracking and secure destruction.
Managing the complexities of data centre decommissioning
Our client needed to decommission its data centre while retaining control of the equipment throughout the process. This included servers, power systems and tape libraries, which all contained highly sensitive information, so secure handling and verified destruction were essential.
The project required:
Creating greater visibility and control
We allocated a specialist team to manage the removal of equipment from our client’s data centre. Firstly, servers, power systems and tape libraries were taken offline by our client.
After we arrived on site, we commenced decommissioning the equipment, carefully removing it from the racks and recording each asset before moving it into our secure lorries for transport. By recording each asset, our clients can monitor project progress through our bespoke Trakk-IT portal.
Where our clients rent racks within a data centre owned by a landlord, we can also remove cabinets within data centres so the facility can be transferred back to the landlord in its original state.
Once collected, the assets were securely transported to our Approved Authorised Treatment facility (AATF) in Rotherham for processing.
Following processing, the equipment was securely shredded or wiped through our secure data destruction process in accordance with the required WEEE regulations and industry best practice such as ADISA Standard 8.0.
Reducing risk through secure, auditable disposal
The project gave the client a structured route for removing and disposing of its data centre equipment, without losing visibility of its assets during the process.
Our Trakk-IT portal provided an accessible record of the equipment being managed, while our controlled logistics and processing procedures ensured the assets remained accounted for from collection through to destruction.
At completion, the client received a certificate of destruction, creating a formal record for its internal governance and audit requirements.
The result of this project was a straightforward decommissioning process with the controls, reporting and assurance expected when handling sensitive IT equipment.
“S2S Group made the whole process straightforward from start to finish. The team kept us updated throughout, and the Trakk-IT portal gave us confidence that our assets were being securely managed. Everything was completed as planned, and the Certificate of Destruction provided the documentation we needed for our records.”– IT Operations Manager
Planning a data centre decommissioning project?
From equipment removal and secure logistics to tracking, destruction and compliance reporting, we can provide the specialist support required to manage your IT assets responsibly. Choosing the right partner to manage the decommissioning of any data centre, regardless of its size, is crucial in protecting your organisation’s sensitive data. Whether you’re looking for trusted support with a single site project or a multi-faceted programme, talk to our team about your requirements today.