Server Decommissioning vs Data Centre Relocation – What’s the Difference?

When organisations plan major IT infrastructure changes, the terms server decommissioning and data centre relocation are often used interchangeably — but they refer to two very different phases of the data centre lifecycle. Each requires precise planning, specialist handling, and strict adherence to security and compliance standards to safeguard business continuity.

At Astralis Technology, we support clients across the UK with both — ensuring every data centre project is executed securely, sustainably, and in full compliance with international standards.

Server decommissioning is the secure retirement of equipment housed within your data centre environment. It’s carried out when infrastructure reaches end of life, during a consolidation project, or when migrating workloads to the cloud.

Typical activities include:

The objective is to eliminate all residual data risk while maximising the residual value of each retired asset.

Data centre relocation involves physically moving live infrastructure — sometimes across sites, regions, or to colocation facilities — while maintaining operational continuity.

A relocation project typically includes:

Where server decommissioning focuses on retiring legacy assets, relocation focuses on preserving uptime and ensuring data integrity during migration.

Most large-scale data centre projects combine both.
For example:

Astralis provides both services under one coordinated programme, offering end-to-end data centre lifecycle management — from asset extraction and audit to secure transport, erasure, resale, and redeployment.

All Astralis data centre operations are governed by our ISO 9001, 14001, and 27001 certifications and Cyber Essentials Plus accreditation.

Our processes align with:

Every asset removed from a data hall is logged, tracked, and verified, with Certificates of Erasure or Destruction issued item-by-item through our secure client portal.

Data centre decommissioning can have a significant environmental footprint — which is why Astralis embeds sustainability into every project.

Our commitments include:

Our guiding principle is simple: reduce, reuse, redeploy, and resell — not merely recycle.

Managing decommissioning or relocation at data-centre scale demands more than logistics; it requires experience, governance, and transparency.

Astralis combines decades of industry expertise with a fully accredited process framework.
Our teams deliver:

Understanding the distinctions between server decommissioning and data centre relocation is crucial for maintaining operational integrity and compliance. By leveraging expert services like those offered by Astralis Technology, organisations can ensure secure, efficient, and environmentally responsible management of their IT assets.

Whether you are looking to decommission outdated equipment or relocate critical infrastructure, our comprehensive solutions are designed to meet your needs. Contact us today to discover how we can support your data centre projects with precision and care.

Server decommissioning offers several advantages, including enhanced security by eliminating residual data risks, compliance with industry standards, and the potential for financial recovery through asset resale. By securely retiring outdated or non-essential equipment, organisations can also reduce operational costs and environmental impact. Furthermore, decommissioning allows for better resource allocation, enabling IT teams to focus on more critical infrastructure and innovation rather than maintaining legacy systems.

To ensure compliance during data centre relocation, organisations should adhere to established standards such as ISO 27001 and GDPR. This involves conducting thorough risk assessments, maintaining a secure chain of custody for all data-bearing devices, and ensuring proper documentation throughout the process. Engaging with certified partners who specialise in data centre projects can also help organisations navigate compliance requirements effectively, ensuring that all legal and regulatory obligations are met during the relocation.

Data sanitisation is a critical component of server decommissioning, as it ensures that all sensitive information is irretrievably removed from retired equipment. This process typically follows guidelines such as NIST 800-88, which outlines methods for securely erasing data. By implementing effective data sanitisation techniques, organisations can mitigate the risk of data breaches and protect their reputation, while also complying with legal requirements regarding data protection and privacy.

When selecting a data centre partner, organisations should evaluate several factors, including the partner’s experience, certifications, and track record in managing similar projects. It’s essential to assess their adherence to security and compliance standards, as well as their sustainability practices. Additionally, organisations should look for partners that offer comprehensive services, including asset management, secure logistics, and transparent reporting, to ensure a smooth and efficient decommissioning or relocation process.

Sustainability is increasingly important in data centre decommissioning, as organisations seek to minimise their environmental impact. This can involve reusing and reselling functional equipment, recycling materials responsibly, and collaborating with organisations to recover valuable resources from obsolete hardware. By prioritising sustainable practices, companies can not only reduce waste but also contribute to a circular economy, aligning their operations with broader environmental goals and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Data centre relocation can present several challenges, including maintaining operational continuity, managing dependencies between systems, and ensuring data integrity throughout the move. Other common issues include logistical complexities, potential downtime, and the need for thorough testing post-relocation. To mitigate these challenges, organisations should engage in meticulous pre-move planning, employ experienced teams, and utilise secure transport methods to safeguard equipment and data during the transition.