How long does it take to implement a server infrastructure

In almost every conversation about deploying new server infrastructure, the most important considerations for the client are how fast and at what cost this can happen. 

You should know that in such a project, there are a series of steps, each of which depends on the others and can affect deadlines and the final result.

Most companies underestimate the deployment time because they only consider the technological work (server configuration, operating system installation, network setup, etc.), which usually takes a few days. However, before that, it is necessary to coordinate deliveries, contracts, physical installation of equipment, and the work of different teams to complete the project as quickly as possible. 

The AC☁DC team is aware of the issues and pitfalls in the process, which we've played out many times in providing our cloud services under the AbsCloud brand. 

Step 1: Hardware Delivery

Server delivery is one of the steps that may take the longest. Depending on availability and the desired configuration, you may have to wait from a few days to several months. Factors that influence this include:

• Configuration: standard or specific configuration, depending on the goals and workload you will generate. 
• Manufacturer and distributor: Direct order from the manufacturer gives more control but usually a longer delivery time. 
• Current market conditions: At present, the hardware market is in an unprecedented phase with shortages of key components and a drastic rise in prices, with configurations requiring large amounts of RAM reaching very high price levels. 

Our advice: You can order the hardware equipment before you complete all administrative steps to save time. Review all possible configurations before making a decision, so you choose the most cost-effective option.

Let us remind you that AC☁DC is an officially certified partner of Persy Stinger - the leading Bulgarian manufacturer of server and computer systems. Contact our team to learn what benefits we can provide to businesses that are clients of our data center. 

Step 2: Contract and Onboarding with the Data Center

Requesting and providing a server colocation service requires administrative work from both parties: specifying needed resources (rack, connectivity, etc.), signing a contract, defining SLA parameters, confirming access rights, and other legal and technical questions. These tasks may take between 1 and 2 weeks, depending on the workflow of both parties. 

What can speed up the process: Clear client requirements. Companies that enter negotiations with a ready list of requirements (power, U space, network needs, access level, etc.) go through this step faster than those that clarify their requirements during negotiations.

See also: Is Your Company Ready to Move Servers to a Data Center? (Checklist)

Step 3: Physical Installation of Servers

Equipment mounting in the rack is technically the most predictable step, which often happens within a day, especially when the data center provides the necessary conditions for this.  

What can extend this step:

• Equipment with non-standard depth, weight, or cabling, which you haven’t informed the data center about (e.g., need for Tower colocation).  
• Requirement for specific cabling for proper airflow management, cooling, and easy access for maintenance and component replacement. 
• Coordination with the data center: Physical installation requires the presence of the data center team, and sometimes a prior request for Remote Hands service. 

Step 4: Power and Network Configuration

A few more tasks will take you between 1 and 2 weeks, but you can initiate them in parallel with the other steps. 

• Calculating the power and real electricity consumption needed;
• PDU (Power distribution unit) configuration, consistent with the necessary power supply for each device;
• Redundancy: Tier 3 infrastructure provides redundant connectivity and power, but your equipment must be configured to use them. 
• IP address allocation and routing;
• Operator choice: in a neutral data center like AC☁DC, the client independently chooses their internet provider. The contract with the ISP, activation, and physical connection are separate steps that require time planning. 
• Network device configuration.

Step 5: OS and Software Installation, Testing, and Validation

In most cases, automated installation will take just a few hours, but it is important to allow several days for testing and validation of all processes: 

• Functional hardware test – CPUs, memory, disks, network cards;
• Power test and failover/generator start-up time;
• Network test;
• Test under maximum server load;
• Documentation of the conducted tests and steps.

What has the most impact on the final deadline

Most often, the difference between a smooth, rapid transition to colocation in a data center and a cumbersome process is defined by:

• The client's preparation, entering the process with ready documentation, equipment list, power consumption, and networking requirements;
• Presence of non-standard requirements regarding connectivity, power, or hardware parameters;
• Decision-making and administrative work on the client side, which delays technical tasks; 
• Coordination between client teams in larger companies (legal, IT, financial, management, etc.).

Here, the role of the data center is extremely important, as it has the best visibility of the physical infrastructure and its readiness to meet your needs. 

At AC☁DC, our approach for installing new equipment includes a review of power and energy requirements, configuration planning, and suitable rack choice, and, if necessary, a Remote Hands & Eyes service for equipment maintenance. This makes our data center in Varna a suitable point for server colocation for businesses in the region, but also an ideal disaster recovery location for companies with servers in Western Bulgaria. 

If you are unsure how to plan the service deployment, contact our team to discuss a realistic timeline for your specific equipment and business needs.

We also recommend reading more on the topic:

How much does colocation in a data center cost and what determines the price

What is a rack cabinet and how to choose the right one for your server

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