NEW YORK — International Data Center Day was created to raise awareness of the data center industry and to inspire the next generation of talent. International Data Center Day provides the industry an opportunity to open their doors and show, in a collaborative effort, what data centers are and why they are so important to the connected world, as well as the wide array of career opportunities the data center industry offers. By working together during and after International Data Center Day, the industry can connect with future generations and ensure a steady flow of skilled labor, enhance the public image of data centers, and safeguard the ongoing prosperity of the data center industry.

“In 2015, members challenged 7x24 Exchange with attracting qualified talent for the future of the industry,” said Bob Cassiliano, president and CEO of Business Information Services Inc. and Chairman and CEO of 7x24 Exchange Intl. “7x24 Exchange soon realized that many parents, teachers, and students are unaware of the data center industry and need to understand what data centers are and how they operate — hence the development of a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) initiative which includes a mentoring program, a Women in Mission Critical Operations (WiMCO) community, a Data Center 101 session, video, and, now, the creation of International Data Center Day”

7x24 Exchange is committed to promoting the value of STEM education to ensure the ongoing growth of the data center industry by providing resources to educate people about what data centers are and how they work, illustrating the importance of the data center industry on daily life, sharing information on pursuing a career as a data center professional, and creating more opportunities for mission critical firms to recruit future employees.

“Our goal for this initiative is to raise awareness of the data center industry and to share the vast variety of careers that are available for the next generation of professionals,” said, Juli Ierulli, nmarketing maager, Caterpillar Inc. and director of marketing/vendor representative for 7x24 Exchange International. “By sharing how data centers make a difference in our daily lives and the career opportunities, we are helping to ensure the future of the industry.”

The first International Data Center Day will be held on Oct. 29. For more information, visit www.internationaldatacenterday.org.