DCR Project Closeout

1
DCR Project Closeout

• Data Center Relocation
• Georgia Technology Authority
• Jim Howell

2
Project Goals

• The objectives of the Data Center Relocation
  Project Were
• To successfully transition the computers, network
  devices, and related equipment currently located
  in the Archives Building to a New Data Center
  Facility in Alpharetta, Georgia,
• To construct a Backup Command Center in the West
  Tower Building.
• The goal was to transition these servers and
  network connections within weekend maintenance
  windows, with minimal impact to the Agencies and
  their employees, state-wide.

3
Competitive Analysis (SunGard)

• Strengths
• Project Management Office
• Project Manager
• Energetic, competent staff
• Areas For Improvement
• More guidance in establishing scope.
• Insure infrastructure is part of relocation scope
  to ensure adequate control of all key phases
  (power, network)

4
Critical Success Factors

• Executive sponsorship support response to
  issues
• Commitment of resources
• Single point of authority for scope and budget
  approval and changes
• Communication with key agencies
• Application of essential project management
  processes

5
Team/Resources

• Strong project team worked together to meet
  objectives
• GTA
• SunGard
• Agencies (testing)
• Vendor Support Outside Services -SUN, Dell,
  EMC, Unisys, IBM
• IVV

6
Lessons Learned

• Importance of
• Cross-functional team communication
• Continuous review of plan
• Understanding and enforcing ownership
• Identifying distinct milestones and deliverables
• Assignment of communication lead and coordinator

7
Lessons Learned -Technology

• Allowances For new technologies being used
• Need better understanding of technologies being
  added to the project
• iTRACS
• Remote Management Tools

8
Lessons Learned Essential Project Management
Processes

• Change Management
• CAB Scope Management Suggest adding scope
  review to weekly meetings
• Risk Management
• Weekly risk review and mitigation
• Issue Management
• Add escalation triggers in PMP
• Adhered closely to escalation process and triggers

9
Areas for Improvement

• Better control of infrastructure
• Power
• Network
• Cabling
• Make sure owners are identified for each
  deliverable and that ownership is assigned early
  in the project

10
Closeout

• Transition of Remaining Tasks
• Archives Cleanup
• Salvage, Storage, Trade-In
• Identifying and addressing remaining production
  items
• Relocation to NADC or TDC
• Disposition non-production items
• Assign ownership and responsibility for
  maintaining accurate project documentation
• Sponsor notification and sign-off
• Longer range projects
• MPLS
• IVR