Data centre design standard released by BICSI

BICSI, the association supporting the information technology systems (ITS) industry with information, education and knowledge assessment, has released a new standard - BICSI 002-2010, Data Centre Design and Implementation Best Practices.

With the push for greater capacity, increased efficiency and higher levels of utilisation, data centres have become more complex to design and bring online. Due to this, today’s data-centre designer is often required to have knowledge in mechanical, electrical and telecommunications systems - areas not typically found in the same reference manuals or standards.

BICSI 002 addresses this need. Written to complement existing standards, within its pages are requirements, recommendations and additional information that should be considered when planning and building a data centre, such as site selection, layout, thermal systems and security.

“BICSI 002 is an excellent resource for data-centre designers and operators because it provides a wealth of information on the subjects important to this audience - all in one place,” said Jonathan Jew, Co-chair of the Data Center Standards Subcommittee and lead editor of the standard. “It is the culmination of the efforts of more than 150 subject matter experts in a wide variety of disciplines related to data-centre design.”

BICSI’s Standards Committee comprises more than 200 members from around the globe. Established in 2004, the Data Centre Subcommittee has put in significant time and expertise approving BICSI 002.

BICSI President Brian Hansen, RCDD, NTS, CSI, added: “This is a great achievement for BICSI and our membership as BICSI 002-2010 is, what we believe to be, the most comprehensive data-centre standard to date.”