Well it’s been a long time you saw any update from my side on Data Center policies, in my previous article I was taking about the types of access can be provided to Data Center, let continue our journey with two things

1)      Data Center Doors

2)      Security System for Data Centers.

1.       Data Center Doors

All doors to the Data Center MUST remain locked at all times and may only be temporarily opened for periods NOT to exceed that minimally necessary in order to:

• Allow officially approved and logged entrance and exit of authorized individuals
• Permit the transfer of supplies/equipment as directly supervised by a person with ITKE* staff Access to the area
• Prop opens a door to the Data Center ONLY if it is necessary to increase Air flow into the Data Center in the case on an air conditioning failure. In this case, staff personnel with ITKE* staff Access MUST be present and limit access to the Data Center.

2.       Security System

Access control system provides the normal mechanism for control of access to the Data Center. These mechanisms are employed at the Data Center doors. The permission to access to datacenter MUST be sign from ITKE* directors. Customer MUST provide ITKE*with at least (1) one working day prior notice via e-mail any time it intends to access the ITKE*,Data Centre. Customer MUST provide ITKE*,with at least (3) three working days prior notice any time it requires onsite technical support at the ITKE* Data Centre or it intends to move-in or move-out any Customer Equipment. The Representatives and the accompanying persons MUST keep its licensed area as well as ITKE* Data Centre clean and tidy at all times. The Representatives and the accompanying persons agree to adhere to and abide by all security and safety measures established by ITKE*.

The Representatives and the accompanying persons MUST refrain from doing the following:

• Engage in any activity that is in violation of the laws or aids or assists any criminal activity while at ITKE* property or in connection with the Data Centre Services;
• Misuse or abuse any ITKE*’s property or equipment or third party equipment;
• Make any unauthorized use of or interfere with any property or equipment of any other customer;
• Harass any individual, including ITKE* personnel and representatives of other customers;
•  Use of any photographic, video, film or such other device that produces, reproduces, retains or transmits images within the premises and the licensed space.

*ITKE is used just as reference which can be replaced by your organization or department name.

1)      ITKE* employees

2)      Contractors /Outsourced companies

3)      Visitor Engineers Access (Vendors)

1 ITKE* staff Access

It is given to people who have free access authority into the Data Center. ITKE* staff Access is granted to the ITKE* staff whose job responsibilities require that they have access to the area. These individuals also have the authority to grant temporary access to the Data Center and to enable others to enter and leave the Data Center. People with ITKE* staff Access are responsible for the security of the area, and for any individuals that they allow into the Data Center they MUST listed on Authorized Access List.  Individuals with ITKE* staff Access to the area may allow properly authorized and logged individuals (sign in and out) for contractors and visitor engineers when they Access to the Data Center.

2 Contractors/ Outsourced companies Access

It is closely monitored access given to people who have a business need for infrequent access to the Data Center. “Infrequent access” is generally defined as access required for pried of time (depend on the contract). A person given Contractors Access to the area MUST sign in and out under the direct supervision of a person with Controlling Access. A person with Contractors Access to the area MUST NOT allow any other person to enter or leave the area until have permission from ITKE* staff Access. Only those Representatives identified in writing by the Customer on the ITKE* Data Centre Access Authorization List Form may make request to enter the Data Centre. Each Customer MUST ensure that the Representatives and the accompanying persons do NOT take any actions that Customer is prohibited from taking under this Policy.

3 Visitor Engineers Access (Vendors)

It is granted to a person from vendors who have to do insulation or some work in the data center. A person given visitor engineers access to the area MUST sign in and out and submit report under the direct supervision of a person with Controlling Access. A person with visitor engineer’s access to the area MUST NOT allow any other person to enter or leave the area. Maximum of 3 persons, of whom at least one MUST be a Representative, may enter the Data Centre at the same time. For security reasons, all visitors (Representatives and accompanying persons) will be requested to show his/her STAFF ID or Passport for verification. He/she will be refused to enter the Data Centre if the required credentials CANNOT be shown.

In upcoming post let’s continue our journey with the policy and procedures related to Data Center access.

In this particular part of my article I will try to focus on the Data Center physical security policy and procedures.

1. Overview

Security for the Data Center is the responsibility of all departments that are sharing the data center space. ITKE* is responsible for the administration of this policy. The following are the general requirements and policies to access to this sensitive area. Failure to follow the guidelines set forth in this document is grounds for termination of agreements and potential legal action.

Customer MUST NOT, except as otherwise agreed by ITKE*,

1. 1. Place any computer hardware or other equipment in the Licensed Area
   2. Store any other combustible materials of any kind in the Licensed Area; and
   3. Bring any “Prohibited Materials” (as defined below) into the Data Centre. Prohibited Materials shall include, but NOTlimited to, the following and any similar items:
      1. 1. Food, drink, illegal drugs and other intoxicants
         2. Tobacco products
         3. Explosives and weapons
         4. Hazardous materials
         5. Electro-magnetic devices, which could unreasonably interfere with computer and telecommunications equipment
         6. Radioactive materials
         7. Photographic or recording equipment of any kind
         8. Any other items deemed inappropriate at ITKE*’s sole discretion.

2. Primary Guidelines

The “Data Center” is a restricted area requiring a much greater level of control than normal spaces. Only those individuals who are authorized to do so by the ITKE* may enter this area.  Access privileges will only be granted to individuals who have business need to be in the data center.

All departmental staff sharing the Data Center will familiarize themselves thoroughly with this document. Any questions regarding policies and procedures should be addressed to ITKE*.

The only exception allowed to the Data Center Security Policies and Practices is temporary suspension of these rules if it becomes necessary to provide emergency access.

In upcoming article I will try to focus on levels of access can be provided to the Data Centers.

*ITKE is used just as reference which can be replaced by your organization or department name.

I am so excited to know about these latest developments, especially after the introduction of Nexus Switches there is a need for specialist who can manage complex data center. CCIE data center will equip the networking professionals with all the skills required to design, implement, operate, monitor, and troubleshoot complex data center networks. Products tested in this certification include Cisco Catalyst 3750, MDS 9222i, Nexus 7009, 5548, 2232, 1000v and Cisco Unified Computing System (UCS), and Cisco Application Control Engine Appliance.

The beta version of the CCIE Data Center Written Exam will be available for scheduling and testing at all worldwide Cisco-authorized Pearson VUE testing centers beginning May 1 through June 15, 2012.  And the lab exam is expected to be available in September2012.

Currently Cisco is offering US$ 50 as a discount for the beta exam of CCIE Data Centre.

Some of the topics covered in CCIE Data Center are as follows

• General switching technologies
• NX-OS with VPC, OTV, Fabric-Path, RBAC, etc.
• Storage with Fiber Channel, VSAN, FCoE, etc.
• UCS with LAN, SAN connectivity, server profiles, pinning, etc.
• Cisco ACE features in SLB and HA deployments.

For further details on please do check this link.

What is Cisco Containerized Data Center (CDC)?

Basically the Cisco Containerized Data Center is a 40-foot container, which is capable of housing up to 16 cabinets of 44 RU. Cisco has adopted chilled water cooling system that uses cabinet-level airflow containment rather than a hot aisle/cold aisle design. The Cisco Containerized Data Center comes with an access door at end of the container basically this modular approach allows the containers to either be stacked or deployed alongside one another.

Following are the features of Cisco Containerized Data Center (CDC)

• Timely response to dynamic data center needs: Significantly reduces deployment time for new and existing data center initiatives
• Flexibility: Can be configured to meet customer-unique business needs
• Serviceability: Designed for efficient serviceability and to meet power and cooling requirements
• Optimization: Can be placed in either indoor or outdoor environments with the flexibility to deliver the Cisco CDC to multiple locations
• Cisco CDC Management System (CDCMS): Integrates multiple components to help ensure the safe and efficient operation of Cisco’s modular data centers

A good innovative from Cisco Systems, which definitely provides a fast solution, flexible to way to expand, complement, or even replace traditional fixed, “brick-and-mortar” data centers And even for those who are thinking establishing a  DR site

The tool is known as Cisco Power Calculator (CCO login required):/

This utility asks you the type of switch you are using, what kinds of modules you are using, type of supervisor engine etc. After providing all the details the utility provided you a in depth report and you can download the same in an excel sheet or in pdf format. I am attaching the sample report which I calculated for one of our Cisco Catalyst 6513 Switch.powercalc_catalyst_6500_09-27-2011

This high-energy consumer show attracts a diverse audience that includes IT professionals, technology enthusiasts, students and consumers as well as regional traders.

Cisco Systems to are participating in GITEX Technology Week Under the theme ‘Within, between and beyond the Cloud’, Cisco will be showcasing its innovations with a main focus on Cloud, that will increase value to customers, create new business opportunities for partners and drive technology advances in the region. Cisco will examine the most current and critical trends and issues facing the Cloud and Virtualization landscape, and how Cisco is different with utilizing the network as the fundamental foundation that interconnects the world of many clouds while focusing on Data Center, Virtualization, Collaboration and Borderless Networks.

“Cisco’s ability to innovate is why customers rely on us as a strategic business partner rather than merely a product technology vendor,” said Wayne Hull, director and general manager, Cisco UAE. “Our aim is to leverage GITEX Technology Week as a platform to showcase our product innovation, whereby customers and partners will have the opportunity to explore how the network has become the most strategic IT asset today. Furthermore, GITEX is also an important event to connect with key business decision makers and continue to build relationships with customers and partners.”

Cisco’s stand will be located at the Zabeel Hall, GulfComms, stand number Z-B, 30. So if you happens to be in this part of the world its worth attending this exhibition

Look at its popularity it was a right move by Cisco Systems to introduce the Cisco CCT Telepresence Certification, which focuses on the on the skills required for onsite support and maintenance of Cisco TelePresence Systems. Technicians in this area must be able to identify Cisco TelePresence models, accessories, cabling, and interfaces; understand the Cisco TelePresence operating modes and identify commonly found software; and be able to use the Cisco Command Line Interface (CLI) to connect and service products and make basic Cisco TelePresence system adjustments.

The only prerequisite for Cisco CCT Telepresence Certification is Cisco CCT Routing and Switching.

For further details do check the Cisco Learning Network Website

Personally I welcome the introduction of Cisco CCT Data Center certification, especially after Cisco announced their Nexus 7000, Nexus 5000, and Nexus 2000 Series Switches which are specially designed for Data Centers. Certainly this move by Cisco System empowers the Data Center operators or Technicians to demonstrate the knowledge and ability required for the onsite support and Maintenance of Cisco Data Center Products.

The Cisco CCT Data Center Certification ensures that the certified individual have knowledge of the Cisco Nexus 7000, Nexus 5000, Nexus 2000 and MSD 9000 (SAN Switches) product line along with the basic knowledge of the NX-OS and simple commands required to perform tasks such as password recovery.

In order to be  Cisco CCT Data Center Certified the only prerequisite is to have valid Cisco CCT Routing and Switching Certification.

For further details do check the Cisco Learning Network Website

Currently Cisco Systems are offering three Cisco Certified Technician (CCT) Certifications.

1)      Cisco CCT Routing & Switching certification

2)      Cisco CCT Data Center certification

3)      Cisco CCT TelePresence certification.

The Cisco CCT Routing & Switching certification which certifies that an onsite technician has the required skills and knowledge to work with Cisco Routers and Switches performing task such as troubleshooting, repairs, hot-swap of specific components, and create TAC tickets as required. The Cisco CCT Routing and Switching certification serves as a prerequisite for the Cisco CCT Data Center certification and the Cisco CCT TelePresence certification.

Exams & Recommended Training for Cisco CCT Routing & Switching certification are as follows

In my next post I will talk about Cisco CCT Data Center certification and the Cisco CCT TelePresence certification. It’s a good move from Cisco and for sure this certification is very handy and provides a solid foundation to all those technicians who are aim the sky (CCIE)