There's no solution in a box when it comes to data-center management. You must tackle this challenge creatively, with an eye toward your company's unique personnel and corporate "quirks." Remember that successful data centers don't simply maintain the status quo, they help propel the company forward by researching, proposing and implementing dynamic projects.
Here are some guidelines:
Hire knowledgeable, flexible staff. Experience with a particular platform or system may be critical, but don't underestimate the importance of adaptability and problem-resolution skills. Try to identify job candidates who will think before they act, yet act quickly when necessary. These are the people with potential long-term value.
Compensate and reward employees. Start people at appropriate salaries, and give them reasonable increases regularly. If cash bonuses are a thing of the past, send a staffer out to dinner for a job well done, pay for attendance at a work-related conference or offer a prize for "most productive employee of the month." Solicit staff input on projects under consideration, and give employees credit for their ideas when presenting plans to corporate. Make it clear you appreciate hard work and dedication, and that it pays off.
Provide training and career opportunities. Get data-center staffers trained in emerging technologies early. In addition, involve them in major product and system evaluations and selections, as well as ongoing projects like hardware deployments and software upgrades. A viable data center is a hub of activity and an ideal training ground for anyone who wants to learn.
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IT leaders should heed the guidance of cybersecurity insurance providers who think businesses should prioritize security education, incident preparedness, regular internal audits, and ongoing vulnerability scanning and patching.
