Data Center Essentials: What You Need to Know

Are you interested in learning about data centers, one of the fastest-growing sectors in the design and construction industry?

If so, you've come to the right place.

This course aims to equip you with the essential knowledge to navigate the world of data centers, enabling you to understand the terminology and intricacies involved better than 90% of industry professionals. By the end of this course, you will have a solid foundation in data center concepts and be well-prepared to explore further in this exciting field.

The Growing Importance of Data Centers

From tech giants like Google and Microsoft to revolutionary technologies such as 5G and blockchain, the influence of the internet on our lives is undeniable. And as our reliance on digital technologies continues to grow, so does the need for data centers. These facilities play a crucial role in managing and processing the ever-expanding digital footprint that we collectively create. In fact, data centers have become the backbone of our digital infrastructure, making them the largest and most energy-intensive buildings on the planet. Without data centers, the seamless functioning of our online activities, from sending emails to streaming videos, would not be possible.

Course Overview

Now, let's take a closer look at what this course has to offer. Designed to provide you with a head start in the world of data centers, it covers a wide range of topics. Throughout this course, we will delve into the various standards, terminology, and acronyms essential for comprehending and navigating these mission-critical facilities. 

Historical Overview, Varieties, and Scale

Explores the evolution of data centers, their various forms, and their physical dimensions, providing insights into the different types of data centers that are accessible to visitors.

Regulations and Objectives

Examines the reliability classifications and their relevance to different stakeholders, shedding light on the key priorities for various data center proprietors.

Infrastructure Elements

Discusses the machinery and systems underpinning data center operations.

Terminology and Abbreviations

Covers commonly used terms, definitions, and conventions in the field of data centers.

Security, Safety, and Beyond

Addresses the broader considerations, encompassing security, safety, and other crucial factors integral to data center management.

By the end of the course, you will have a comprehensive understanding of data center operations, infrastructure, and best practices.

Whether you are a student, a professional looking to switch careers, or simply curious about data centers, this course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this rapidly evolving industry. So, let's get started!

1. Students and anyone interested in learning more about where the internet lives
2. Architects
3. Engineering design professionals
4. Energy managers
5. Facilities operations
6. Contractor

1. Love the course, very informative about the essentials of data center equipment and how data center operates ~ Braulio A
2. The course was very helpful and enlighten. Data center is a new role for me and the course helped a lot in understanding its operations ~ Oluwatobiloba B
3. Clear, concise and easy to understand explanation. Thanks for doing this, John! Highly recommended! ~ W S Chan
4. I have worked in establishing mid-sized data centers and this is very accurate. I have gone through all these design stages and decisions while working on the data center design ~ H Joshi
5. Very informative. Topics presented in an simple to understand manner with clear diagrams illustration. Thank you ~ T W Chu
6. As someone who has no experience in data center operations this is a very good introduction. The graphics and non-tech lectures are very helpful ~ R Hernandez
7. Very friendly expression from history to current types and PUE calculation. Very easy to be understood ~ C J Zhao
8. This course was very great. It has really given me a good foundation of knowledge about data centers ~ Reginald A
9. The instructor gave a good overview of the type of data centers and touched on power cooling methods. I am looking forward to more in this series ~ J McNish

1. Introduction to data center types, sizes, and priorities
2. Summarized history of technology
3. Data Center types & sizes
4. Differing priorities of data centers, from financial to search engines to blockchain
5. Supporting equipment, systems, and controls

Basic understanding of buildings or IT.