Certified Data Centre Professional (CDCP)

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Data Centres

• Overview of data centres: Purpose and importance
• Evolution of data centres and modern trends
• Data centre standards and classifications (e.g., Tier I-IV)
• Key industry standards (e.g., ANSI/TIA-942, Uptime Institute)

Module 2: Data Centre Design Principles

• Site selection criteria: Environmental and geographic factors
• Layout and space planning for efficiency and scalability
• Key infrastructure systems: Power, cooling, and IT infrastructure
• Data centre construction phases and best practices

Module 3: Power Systems and Redundancy

• Components of power distribution (UPS, PDU, Generators)
• Power capacity planning and monitoring
• Redundancy levels: N, N+1, 2N configurations
• Preventing power-related outages

Module 4: Cooling and Environmental Control

• Cooling systems and airflow management (e.g., hot/cold aisle containment)
• HVAC systems and cooling technologies
• Energy efficiency in cooling: PUE optimization
• Monitoring temperature, humidity, and environmental metrics

Module 5: Network Infrastructure in Data Centres

• Network architecture: LAN/WAN topology in data centres
• Cabling standards and best practices (fiber vs. copper)
• Ensuring redundancy and minimizing latency
• Security protocols for data centre networks

Module 6: Risk Management and Security

• Identifying and mitigating risks: Physical, operational, and cyber threats
• Physical security measures: CCTV, access control, biometric systems
• Disaster recovery and business continuity planning
• Environmental risks: Fire, floods, and earthquakes

Module 7: Operations and Maintenance

• Best practices for data centre operations
• Monitoring and managing infrastructure with DCIM tools
• Maintenance scheduling and documentation
• Incident response and troubleshooting

Module 8: Emerging Trends and Future Technologies

• Green data centres and sustainability practices
• Cloud computing and edge data centres
• Artificial intelligence in data centre management
• Preparing for future trends (e.g., hyperscale and colocation data centres)

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:

1. Understand the core principles of data centre design and operation.
2. Identify and implement strategies to ensure high availability and reliability.
3. Learn how to manage power, cooling, and IT systems efficiently.
4. Understand risk management and apply security measures in a data centre environment.
5. Gain knowledge of the latest industry standards, trends, and technologies.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion, participants will be able to:

• Design a basic data centre layout that meets industry standards.
• Evaluate and improve energy efficiency through optimized cooling and power strategies.
• Implement effective security measures to protect the physical and digital assets of a data centre.
• Apply risk mitigation strategies and plan for disaster recovery.
• Operate, monitor, and maintain data centre infrastructure with efficiency and compliance.

Training Methodology

1. Classroom Instruction (or Virtual Equivalent):
   • Interactive lectures using slides, case studies, and industry examples.
   • Q&A sessions to clarify concepts.
2. Hands-On Labs:
   • Simulated exercises for power system redundancy, cooling setup, and network configuration.
   • Troubleshooting common issues in data centre environments.
3. Group Activities and Discussions:
   • Collaborative activities to design a data centre layout.
   • Group discussions on real-world challenges and solutions.
4. Case Studies:
   • Analysis of successful and failed data centre operations to highlight best practices and lessons learned.
5. Assessment and Certification:
   • Quizzes and practical assessments at the end of key modules.
   • Final exam to evaluate theoretical and practical understanding.
6. Post-Training Support:
   • Access to an online portal with additional resources.
   • Opportunities to join professional data centre forums and communities.