What Do Data Center Technicians Do?

what is a data center technician

A data center technician oversees server centers and other centralized banks of computers for data-, cloud-, and information technology-dependent companies. He or she helps ensure that networks stay up and online, that data is accessible, and that the processing and performance speed and power maintains efficiency at all times.

Much of a data center technician's job involves actively monitoring server and network performance and then analyzing this information. The technician determines what areas, if any, are falling below efficiency standards and works to isolate and address them. He or she also performs troubleshooting for customer and client problems as well, seeking to isolate those problems within the server and processing structure.

In most cases, a company expects the technician to be able to perform routine hardware repairs, replacements, and upgrades, as well as upgrade and augment existing hardware while causing minimal, if any, downtime for users and clients. In some cases, data center technicians may be asked to create detailed reports illustrating efficiency bottlenecks and offering upgrade solutions to solve them.

Many companies also use the job title of data center technician for first-line customer support of software, applications, and network services. This job may encompass the areas already discussed, but is typically focused more on individual client and customer problem-solving, and it requires more extensive knowledge of the software applications sold by the employer.

To work as a data center technician, a person typically needs at least an associate's degree in information technology (IT) services or a similar computer-focused disciplines. Additionally, employers look for a variety of network certifications specific to a position and frequently want entry-level help desk experience.

Data Center Technician Tasks

• Troubleshoot for network, hardware and software problems.
• Maintain hardware and software inventory and maintenance logs.
• Adhere to and update documentation and user guides.
• Support users and escalate problems to ensure customer service.
• Set up, fix, maintain and patch technology in the data center.