DCde

DCde is an acronym used in several contexts, with no single, universally accepted definition. The most common reference is in information technology and data center management, where DCde stands for Data Center decommissioning. Data center decommissioning describes the structured process of retiring a data center facility or its components in a controlled, secure, and environmentally responsible manner. It encompasses planning, inventory verification, data sanitization or destruction of storage media, deinstallation of equipment, asset disposition or recycling, and documentation for compliance and audit purposes. Key goals include protecting sensitive data, reducing operational risk, achieving regulatory compliance, and minimizing environmental impact. Practices often align with standards for data sanitization (for example, destruction of storage devices to defined methods), asset disposition guidelines, and environmental or e-waste regulations. Organizations may carry out DCde as part of hardware refresh cycles, cloud migration, or site consolidation, and the process typically involves cross-functional teams spanning IT, facilities, security, and procurement.

Beyond IT, DCde may appear as an acronym in other domains, usually as shorthand in project codes, product names, or internal documentation. However, these uses are not standardized and are less widely documented.

See also: Data center lifecycle, IT asset disposition, data sanitization standards, e-waste recycling, regulatory compliance.