What Is Data Center Decommissioning?
Data center decommissioning is a much needed service for companies who are faced with a data center closure, facility shutdown or relocation, or offices and data centers who need specialized liquidation companies to manage all the assets and assist in removal of data center equipment such as hardware, office furniture, generators, server racks, hard drives and more. Liquis is an experienced decommissioning and liquidation company offering white glove services to ensure successful data center shutdowns and safe, well-audited data destruction.
With over a decade of experience in facility decommissioning projects and IT asset inventory management, Liquis has a cost effective implementation plan to decommission a data center efficiently – from start to finish.
From understanding the needs and goals of clients before undertaking a project to taking apart servers and racks without crushing any wires or causing any damage, Liquis will get your data center shut down right.
Our Data Center Decommissioning Project Process
Our decommissioning project process starts with meeting with clients to assess their needs and decide on the best course of action for shutting down their facility and data center equipment such as internal cooling units .
Our team takes a look at their assets, number of data servers and other hardware components that need to be removed from the site.
Once we have an idea of what we need to collect from the employer, we will schedule an on-site visit with them to see what equipment and technology is still in use and gather data in tracking sheets in order to implement a data center decommissioning checklist, accompanied by a comprehensive removal plan.
We will brief all temporary personnel on our safety procedure in a detailed statement covering a wide range of topics from data security, proper e-waste recycling and the pertinent local regulations to ensure compliance with all interested agencies.
Our data center decommissioning checklist includes the entire hardware decommission strategy from the control panels of server racks to the cooling systems and emergency generator. All of which can be designated for internal reuse, or liquidated.
Asset management is a critical step in data center decommissioning projects because the process begins with planning ahead of time. Clients should understand exactly what needs to be removed from or repaired on site and the specialized knowledge our team has ensures that assets are handled properly during shutdowns.

How to decommission a data center
Once we have established what inventory need to be removed, we will send in a team of specialists who will work together to properly decommission the items on our asset list. We do this by carefully dismantling these assets one by one so that they are not damaged, and removing them from the site using hand tools, forklifts and other industry-approved methods.
After confirming that all hardware has been removed from use (or otherwise rendered unusable), our team will begin decommissioning right away at the location. We have expertise in data destruction and responsible recycling of toxic materials and hazardous materials using the decommissioning checklist to complete tasks in an efficient and timely manner.
Liquidation of office furniture cannot be overlooked due to the high resale value of most assets. If a company is to dispose of office furniture, our team will help them understand the best way to sell their furniture to generate revenue. With our data, and the use of free live online appraisal tools, we can help make pricing decisions by knowing the exact resale value of items before sending in a specialist who can provide an expert opinion.
Our team is experts at removing computer equipment from data centers without damaging wires or other electronic components.
Data Center Decommissioning Checklist
Decide whether decommissioning is right for your company
It’s important to start with a cost benefit analysis and physical review of the data centers in order to plan for the expected outcomes for all team members.
Alert key staff and anyone else involved in the company, such as stakeholders
Engage in a meeting with the company’s decision makers to discuss the project and to determine the proper course of action for taking down data centers. This will include a discussion on the CB analysis and should be presented to key stakeholders as well, who will need time to reach decisions.
Know what equipment needs to be removed
With help from our specialist, identify what hardware needs to be removed and arrange for proper disposal method. Once assets are removed, the data center will be decommissioned – this process can take several hours because of its complexity.
Properly remove assets without damaging them
Strip copper and fiber optic wire for the data center to be decommissioned – remove all other wires as well. We provide a detailed plan for asset removal to ensure that this process takes place effectively without causing damage, and without damaging computer equipment or wiring.
Create or hire a team to manage the decommissioning process
Hiring experts like Liquis is critical to making sure the data center shutdown is as effective as possible. Our team’s decommissioning checklist will help our clients create solutions for taking down the data facility and all hardware, as well as plan out the asset decommission work.
Make a comprehensive inventory and asset tracking system
The inventory of each room, server, cabinet, cooling system, configuration data, associated systems and other hardware component must be determined. This will provide a thorough list of what items need to be removed and will be used to create a complete inventory of all equipment.
Identify items to be recycled, liquidated, returned and disposed of
Once the entire array of server racks is dismantled and removed from the site, the physical audit of all hardware items will be used to determine which items need to be recycled, returned or sent to a landfill.
Monitor the decommissioning process and take all necessary steps to remove any problems
Our team will work closely with all stakeholders to make sure that the data center shutdown is handled correctly. We will oversee the whole process of equipment removal and will be available to handle any problems which may arise.
It is in our company’s interest to see that you have a successful shutdown. Our extensive experience and knowledge of data center decommissioning and data sanitization ensures that this will happen correctly and within budget.
Assets To Be Considered
- Standby and backup generators (generator removal)
- Emergency power systems
- Security systems
- Data server racks
- Cabinets/bays
- Cage work/enclosures
- Rails and carts
- Cubicles, desks, chairs and other office furniture
- Wiring and networking cables
- Packing materials
Coordinating with facility management and IT support staff, as well as meticulously monitoring the process and timeline of the data center decommissioning assignment is critical to asset disposition and various valuable inventory items such as emergency power systems and generators, external chillers, auxiliary equipment and other hardware assets.
Data Center Decommissioning & Asset Disposition Services
We at Liquis take great pride in making sure your needs are met, and in doing so, we have built a solid reputation as an expert data center decommissioning company. Our experience and knowledge of the process allows us to effectively handle the logistics of removing assets, tracking them down and coordinating with other staff at your facility or offices. We are here to provide you with the best possible services and ensure that your decommissioning project needs are met.
We personally ensure the success of each client’s data center shutdown. Choose data destruction experts with a defined skill set who will take care of your decommissioning project, asset recovery, data security, vendor maintenance contracts, software discovery audit, physical and virtual IT, data center infrastructure, and configuration management database needs.