How to Address the Skills Gap Crisis with DCIM Software

With workloads continuing to shift out from the traditional four walls of a data center, personnel now require a more specialized set of skills in order to effectively manage the complexity of distributed infrastructures. By 2025, 85% of infrastructure strategies will integrate core data centers, edge data centers, colocation, and cloud as compared with 20% in 2020 (source: Gartner).

As a result, recruiting and retaining qualified data center personnel is reaching crisis levels. This article will explore the challenges of recruiting and hiring for modern data center operations, including desired job qualifications, recruitment and technology strategies, and current trends in the industry. By understanding the challenges and opportunities presented by this increasingly intricate landscape, data center operators can ensure they have access to the best talent and technology available and keep their operations running smoothly.

1. What skills are needed for the job?

In a recent Gartner survey, infrastructure and operations (I&O) leaders said the top challenge their teams will face over the next 12 months was insufficient skills and resources.

The reason being is that data center operators require employees with a specialized set of skills that spans several disciplines. These include experience in server and network engineering, security and risk management, data storage and backup solutions, system administration, software development, virtualization technologies, cloud computing services, as well as knowledge of various compliance standards like HIPAA or PCI-DSS. Additionally, they need to be familiar with new trends in technology and regulations for sustainability, and be able to quickly adapt to changing requirements. Finding such candidates is not only hard, but somewhat unrealistic.

2. How do data centers fill the skills gap?

Data center operators have started to look for other ways to fill the skills gap, such as offering training and development programs for potential employees coming out of college. Or, retraining current staff. By providing in-depth instruction on new technologies and relevant regulations, these programs can help new and existing employees gain the necessary experience to succeed in the modern data center environment.

Another way of helping bridge the skills gap is by implementing a next-generation data center infrastructure management (DCIM) application. DCIM software, such as Hyperview, are designed to remove the complexity from managing and monitoring hybrid IT environments by providing a unified management experience that is easy to use. It replaces error-prone manual tasks typically performed in a data center with accurate and intelligent automation. It also leverages AI and machine learning to address more specialized requirements in delivering efficiency, resiliency, and sustainability.

3. Why is it difficult to find qualified employees?

According to the Uptime Institute’s 2022 Global Data Center Survey, operators report worsening conditions in attracting and retaining qualified personnel. 53% report difficulty finding qualified employees, while 42% report issues with staff being hired away, mostly to competitors– a big jump from 17% in 2018. These challenges are due, in part, to the rapid evolution of technology. As new trends emerge and requirements change, data centers need personnel who are up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies. Because of this, potential candidates may lack the necessary experience or training needed for certain positions within a data center. Additionally, the few established professionals who have these unique set of skills are in high demand and at risk of being recruited away, while others may no longer have the skills necessary to keep up with the ever-evolving technology landscape. This creates a significant challenge for data center operators as they struggle to find the right candidates who can meet their needs.

4. How will the data center landscape change in the future?

The data center landscape is expected to continue evolving in the future. As new technologies continue to grow in adoption, such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, data centers will need personnel who are knowledgeable in these areas. Additionally, they may need to develop new strategies for managing ever-growing amounts of data and ensuring security protocols are up-to-date. This will require data center operators to stay ahead of the curve and be prepared to adjust their strategies as technology evolves.

Conclusion

Ultimately, data centers need to keep looking for ways to bridge the skills gap between future technologies and potential employees. By investing in training programs, implementing a highly effective DCIM software, and staying up-to-date on new trends in technology, they can ensure they have the necessary personnel and resources to keep up with the changing data center landscape.