Course Overview

As data centers continue to play a critical role in the backbone of modern digital infrastructure, managing these highly complex and energy-demanding facilities requires specialized knowledge. This 5-day advanced training course focuses on the essential skills required to effectively manage data centers, covering the latest best practices in operations, energy efficiency, cooling technologies, security, risk management, and scalability. With the growing trend towards edge computing, AI, and sustainable data center design, this course equips participants to navigate future challenges and integrate cutting-edge solutions in data center management.

Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

1. Master Data Center Operations & Performance Optimization – Understand the critical infrastructure and technologies that ensure efficient data center operations, including power, cooling, and networking.
2. Implement Energy Management & Sustainability – Learn strategies to reduce energy consumption, optimize cooling systems, and integrate renewable energy sources to meet sustainability goals.
3. Enhance Risk Management & Security Protocols – Develop effective risk management strategies and implement security measures that safeguard physical and digital infrastructure.
4. Apply Smart Technologies & Automation – Utilize smart technologies, IoT, and AI in managing data centers for predictive maintenance, system optimization, and real-time monitoring.
5. Plan for Scalability & Future Technologies – Prepare for the growth and evolution of data centers with a focus on edge computing, 5G networks, and next-generation infrastructure.
6. Comply with Regulations & Industry Standards – Understand and ensure compliance with industry standards and regulations, including ISO 50001, Uptime Institute, and local building codes.

Who Should Attend?

This course is designed for professionals involved in the management, design, and operation of data centers. It is ideal for individuals who have basic knowledge of facilities management and are looking to specialize in data center operations. Ideal participants include:

• Data Center Managers & Supervisors – Overseeing the day-to-day operations and performance of data centers.
• Facilities Managers – Responsible for the operation and maintenance of critical infrastructure in data centers.
• Energy Managers – Focused on optimizing energy use in data centers and implementing sustainable practices.
• IT Professionals – Interested in understanding the facilities side of data center management, including power and cooling systems.
• Building Engineers & Technicians – Those working in the maintenance and support of data center infrastructure.
• Project Managers & Consultants – Involved in the planning, design, or upgrade of data centers.
• Security Managers – Responsible for securing physical and digital assets in the data center environment.
• Sustainability and Compliance Officers – Ensuring the data center complies with environmental standards and regulatory requirements.

Course Outline

Day 1: Introduction to Data Center Facilities Management

• Morning Session:

  • Overview of Data Center Infrastructure
    • Key components: Power, cooling, networking, storage, and security systems
    • Types of data centers: Colocation, enterprise, and edge data centers
    • Trends in the industry: Virtualization, cloud computing, and AI
  • Data Center Classifications & Standards
    • Uptime Institute’s Tier classifications (I-IV)
    • Industry certifications and standards: ISO 50001, ANSI/BICSI, TIA-942

• Afternoon Session:

  • Critical Operations & Systems
    • Power distribution and redundancy (UPS, generators, PDUs)
    • Advanced cooling technologies (CRAC, CRAH, liquid cooling, free cooling)
    • Networking and connectivity: Fiber optics, data cabling, and network infrastructure
  • Workshop:
    • Design and evaluate a basic data center layout with a focus on redundancy and efficiency

Day 2: Energy Efficiency and Sustainability in Data Centers

• Morning Session:

  • Energy Management in Data Centers
    • Key metrics: Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE), Energy Usage Effectiveness (EUE)
    • Optimizing power consumption across all systems: Servers, cooling, lighting
    • Best practices in managing cooling energy usage
  • Sustainable Data Center Design
    • Green data centers: Using renewable energy, reducing water consumption
    • Implementing energy-efficient building materials and systems
    • Case studies of sustainable data center designs

• Afternoon Session:

  • Smart Energy Solutions
    • Energy storage solutions (batteries, fuel cells)
    • Leveraging AI and automation for energy optimization
    • Hybrid cooling and renewable energy integration
  • Workshop:
    • Calculating and improving PUE for a real or hypothetical data center

Day 3: Risk Management, Security, and Compliance

• Morning Session:

  • Risk Management Framework for Data Centers
    • Identifying risks: Natural disasters, power failures, cyber-attacks, human error
    • Risk assessment and mitigation strategies
    • Building resilient data centers with disaster recovery plans
  • Data Center Physical Security
    • Access control systems: Biometric, RFID, security personnel
    • Surveillance systems and perimeter protection
    • Incident response and security breach protocols

• Afternoon Session:

  • Cybersecurity in Data Centers
    • Physical vs. cyber security in the context of data centers
    • Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and network security
  • Compliance and Industry Regulations
    • Understanding data protection regulations (GDPR, HIPAA, PCI DSS)
    • Compliance with environmental and safety standards (OSHA, NFPA)
  • Workshop:
    • Creating a risk management and security protocol for a data center

Day 4: Smart Technologies and Automation in Data Center Management

• Morning Session:

  • Smart Data Center Management Systems
    • Integrating IoT, AI, and Machine Learning for predictive maintenance and optimization
    • Real-time monitoring and data analytics for system performance
    • Automation in routine operations (lighting, cooling, monitoring)
  • AI and Machine Learning for Efficiency
    • AI for load balancing, resource allocation, and fault prediction
    • Predictive analytics for preventive maintenance and early failure detection

• Afternoon Session:

  • Automation and Remote Monitoring Tools
    • Data center management software and cloud-based monitoring tools
    • Benefits and challenges of fully automated data centers
  • Edge Computing and the Future of Data Centers
    • Understanding the rise of edge computing and distributed data centers
    • Preparing your data center for 5G networks and ultra-low latency applications
  • Workshop:
    • Implementing a smart data center management system for energy optimization and predictive maintenance

Day 5: Scalability, Future Trends, and Managing Data Center Growth

• Morning Session:

  • Scalability and Growth in Data Centers
    • Planning for future expansion: Physical and virtual scaling
    • Managing high-density computing environments and the need for space optimization
    • Modular design and flexible capacity planning
  • Future Trends in Data Center Facilities Management
    • Integration of AI, 5G, and IoT for next-generation data centers
    • The shift to hybrid cloud environments and how to adapt
    • Preparing for quantum computing’s impact on data center infrastructure

• Afternoon Session:

  • Data Center Disaster Recovery and Business Continuity
    • Key considerations for a robust disaster recovery plan
    • Testing and maintaining business continuity during outages
  • Workshop:
    • Creating a growth and scalability strategy for a data center to meet future demand
  • Course Review & Q&A
    • Recap of key learnings
    • Open floor for participant feedback and questions
  • Certification & Closing Remarks

Conclusion

This advanced Data Center Facilities Management course equips participants with the necessary skills and knowledge to optimize operations, improve energy efficiency, ensure compliance, and implement cutting-edge technologies in data center facilities. With a focus on future-proofing facilities and preparing for emerging trends in AI, 5G, and edge computing, attendees will be well-prepared to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving industry.