CONSULTING · RETROFIT · MODERNISATION
Modernise your data centre.
Plan around ongoing operation
More capacity, better energy efficiency and manageable risks: High Knowledge supports the modernisation of existing data centres, from initial assessment to a coordinated alteration and commissioning concept.
Develop existing infrastructure with purpose.
Ageing UPS systems, limited cooling capacity, rising rack densities or expiring manufacturer support can constrain operation. A retrofit targets the components and structures with the greatest need for action. Usable existing assets remain part of the concept.
We assess condition, capacity, maintainability and dependencies. The final target configuration is not the only concern: every intermediate stage during the works must also remain technically and organisationally manageable.
Renew power and cooling
We examine power distribution, UPS, backup power, refrigeration and heat rejection, including their controls. Load reserves, spare-parts availability, maintenance access and common-cause failures help prioritise measures.
Integrate GPU and AI workloads
New high-performance racks change power density and heat rejection requirements. We check grid connection, distribution, structural capacity, routing and space for additional cooling equipment. Liquid cooling must fit the building systems and operating concept.
Modernisation during operation starts before the first alteration.
We divide the project into defined construction and changeover stages. For each stage, we assess affected systems, available redundancy and the impact on IT. Temporary power or cooling, separated work areas and prepared fallback options can support the transition.
The process includes clear approvals, contacts, maintenance windows and documented stop and rollback criteria. Operations, IT and contractors must know what changes when and who authorises continuation. Critical changeovers are carried out only after the agreed checks and approval.
Whether work can proceed without interruption depends on the existing architecture. If safe alterations during ongoing operation are not feasible, we transparently plan the necessary shutdowns, temporary supply or migration.
Safety in every construction phase
Dust, water, vibration, fire loads and altered access routes can create additional risks in existing facilities. The modernisation concept addresses separation of construction and operating areas, reporting procedures and coordination with fire protection and occupational safety.
Improve energy efficiency measurably
Measured data rather than blanket savings promises: we record load patterns and relevant operating conditions and assess alternatives using documented assumptions. Controls, airflow, temperature levels, part-load behaviour and potential heat reuse are considered together.
In the PUE energy comparison you can compare existing facilities with your target scenario. The cost comparison in the KPI Lab adds investment and operating costs over the asset life. If reliable data on existing facilities is missing, a DC Check provides the basis for assessment.
From initial assessment to a verified transition.
- Understand the existing facility: review records, assess equipment on site and gather measurement data and open questions.
- Prioritise measures: weigh security and availability risks, capacity and cost-effectiveness.
- Plan the alterations: describe the target configuration, construction phases, temporary arrangements, interfaces and required approvals.
- Prepare implementation: agree specifications, schedules, changeovers, testing and fallback procedures.
- Secure the handover: plan functional evidence, updated documentation, training and operational monitoring.
Within the agreed scope, you receive a prioritised action list, alternatives with cost assumptions and a clear modernisation roadmap. Detailed DC-Planning builds on this foundation.
Retrofit or new build: identify the right limits.
Limited space, insufficient utility reserves or infrastructure that is difficult to separate can make alterations disproportionately complex. We then compare retrofit, expansion and replacement construction, including transition costs and operational risks. Our Data centre strategy places this decision within your long-term target architecture.
Technical background: the Uptime Institute assesses technology, processes and people together when evaluating risk. These interfaces must also be considered when changing existing facilities.
Frequently asked questions
What does retrofit mean for a data centre?
Targeted modernisation of existing systems and infrastructure. This may concern individual disciplines or connect several areas, such as power, cooling, monitoring and physical security.
Can IT continue running during modernisation?
This is possible with a suitable architecture and carefully planned construction phases. A blanket promise would be inappropriate. We assess redundancy, changeover options and temporary solutions, and identify necessary interruptions early.
Does all documentation need to be updated first?
We need a reliable basis for affected systems and interfaces. Unclear existing records are checked specifically; assumptions and outstanding issues are resolved before critical work.
What should your data centre deliver in the future?
Let us discuss bottlenecks, modernisation needs and the requirements of ongoing operation. From these, we develop a realistic path for your existing facility.