Today is International Data Center Day, an effort to raise awareness of the data center industry and to inspire the next generation of talent. The initiative, launched by 7×24 Exchange International, is the latest in a series of efforts to address a looming talent gap for data centers and cloud computing infrastructure.

The goal is to help the industry connect with future generations, ensure a steady flow of skilled labor, and build public understanding of data centers and what they do. The day’s themes include:

• Provide resources to educate people about what data centers are and how they work.
• Illustrate the importance of the data center industry on our daily lives.
• Share information on pursuing a career as a data center professional.
• Create more opportunities for mission critical firms to recruit future employees

There are a wide range of observances by leading data center operators and professionals.

The primary resource is the International Data Center Day web site created by the 7×24 Exchange, the industry group that organized the initiative in 2019. Features include a “What Is A Data Center?”  introduction with videos, and educational resources designed for elementary, high school and college students.

Loudoun County, Virginia plans a series of events, including the presentation of 1,000 Data Center Day challenge coins in recognition of the critical services provided by data center workers during the COVID-19 lockdown, and the launch of a new podcast about data centers featuring Buddy Rizer, the Executive Director of Economic Development.

On social media, many companies are sharing resources and information: