Back in my 'mainframe days', we shipped mainframes around the country regularly. We called the big national movers and had the give estimates. They came with purpose built (but looked like normal) moving vans.
Normally we had IBM do it for us, since everything was on IBM 7x24 maintenance with an on-site CE at each site. IBM would detach and certify condition upon de-installation, accept the equipment at the other end, and re-install. We did backup systems but normally didn't have to do anything when it was re-installed on the 'other end'. (Backups are another thing, we made 3 backups. One shipped to 'new site' as soon as it was finished, One shipped with the equipment, and one stayed at the original site. Yes, it was belts and suspenders, and we did use backup to restore on occasion, but very occasionally.) This would still be my favorite way of moving fragile equipment. These days if it was only a rack or so of equipment, call the manufacturer and purchase shipping materials. I do suggest removing disks and ship them in drive shipping containers, rather than mounted in the equipment. Also, purchase insurance. No Gieco won't sell it (but one of Warren Buffets other companies might :), but you can get Lloyds to write a policy and it isn't that expensive. (I think we got Lloyds policy through a commercial Allstate insurance agent, but there are other insurers too). It paid off when the movers dropped a loaded channel controller (specialty computer to do IO for mainframes) off the loading dock onto the drive way behind the truck. It bent the metal frame badly (think 2 72" racks welded together - I am thinking about 1500 lbs). IBM got it running but we used it only about 2 weeks until and emergency order was filled getting us a replacement to our specs. If it isn't very far, I have done the 'station wagon' move. Get an old, large, station wagon, put several layers of blankets and padding down, cover and strap in as good as possible. Drive it where it needs to go, purposely missing all drive times in major locales, even if it takes longer. Drive slow and cautiously. For mom&pops or small businesses, it works well. I hope this helps a little. Good luck on your server move. _______________________________________________ Tech mailing list [email protected] https://lists.lopsa.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/tech This list provided by the League of Professional System Administrators http://lopsa.org/
