What is wrong with so many systems, data entry is done from the perspective from not jeopardizing their job

Data in systems like DCIM is an abstraction of the events.  The data is a description of the event.  It’s one thing if the data is a temperature reading from a sensor in the cold aisle.  But, so much other data is entered by people who are asked to fill in fields that correspond to the event.

When you are staring at the numbers and letters you miss the perspective of the people who entered the data.  What is on their mind?  So many things.  One thing that is over riding that almost no one thinks about is these people are going to fill out the data so as not jeopardize their job.  They’ll do enough to satisfy management and others without rocking the boat by entering in complaints or problems that can make things difficult for them or others.

What?  Here is an example that got me to focus on this problem.  When Pixar created Toy Story the CEO realized there was a problem in that the production staff felt like second class citizens on the project and they didn’t speak up.

First, since we didn’t know what we were doing as we’d geared up to do Toy Story, we’d brought in experienced production managers from Los Angeles to help us get organized. They felt that their jobs were temporary and thus that their complaints would not be welcome. In their world— conventional Hollywood productions— freelancers came together to make a film, worked side by side for several months, and then scattered to the winds. Complaining tended to cost you future work opportunities, so they kept their mouths shut. It was only when asked to stay on at Pixar that they voiced their objections.

Catmull, Ed; Wallace, Amy (2014-04-08). Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration (Kindle Locations 1037-1041). Random House Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Many companies have a strategy of treating people as commodities. “You can be replaced.”  So, people focus on doing things to keep their job.  Speaking up is too risky.

This same type of problem goes to all kinds of parts of operations with people entering data into systems so as not to jeopardize future work opportunities.

Veterans in the DC continue to grow, Uptime joins the efforts

People with military experience are all over the data center industry, but what hasn’t existed is a proactive effort to give veterans a clear path to work in the DC industry.

Veterans in the Data Center initiative has Lee Kirby to thank and the following companies who joined early.

The latest to join is Uptime Institute.

About Uptime Institute Veterans’ Initiative

The catalyst for the Uptime Institute Veterans’ Initiative was at the Uptime Institute Network meeting in spring of 2013.  Lee Kirby, who at the time was CEO and Founder of Salute Inc., presented what he was striving to accomplish for military veterans within the data center industry.  His unique approach to proving the value of veterans caught the attention of Uptime Institute and its Network Members and a subcommittee was developed to address the personnel shortage in the data center industry and how to better target and attract Veteran applicants. Founding members included representation from Compass Datacenters, Bayer, and General Electric, among others.

Beyond building the job forum within this website, the subcommittee is establishing a foundation of training for veterans whose military specialty did not include technical training and will assess and recommend human resource polices.

If you are interested in participating or learning more about the initiative please contact us:
+1 206 706-4149
veterans@uptimeinstitute.com

DC Executive Mike Manos achieves CTO role at First Data Corporation

If you have been in the data center industry for a while you know who Mike Manos is where he drove Microsoft’s first data center construction projects.  Here is a picture of Mike from his Microsoft days.

Mike has gone through careers at Digital Realty Trust, Nokia, and AOL, growing his IT management skills.

And now Michael has a new role as CTO at First Data reporting to the CEO.  It was pleasure to see that Mike has made it to CTO role.  Mike and I had many conversations in his Microsoft office or at the local Wendy’s.  I wouldn’t go to Wendy's as often as Mike did, but whenever I see the Wendy’s memories of discussing data centers, PUE, and the industry come back.  The burgers are good there and Mike said many times he saw Bill Gates there.  

I remember when Mike said he had job offers to leave Microsoft and what I think.  I was supportive of Mike leaving as he had so much more potential than being the data center guy.  Mike is one of those people who employees enjoy working for.  Mike has clear vision, fights for the right thing to do, and go to battle for his team. These are the same skills that our departed Olivier Sanche had as well and had the same passion for data centers.

Data Center Operations teaches people many things that can be applied to other parts of IT, and more and more data center executives are growing beyond just running the data centers.  First Data has hired one of people who have their foundation in data centers which makes things more real than the Public Cloud.

“Mike is a key addition to our world-class leadership team and his knowledge and expertise enhances our ability to provide our clients with cutting-edge technology,” said Chiarello. “He is a seasoned technology management executive with a proven track record of successful revenue generation.  Mike’s leadership will be invaluable as we continue to improve our financial position and seek to grow First Data’s business as the global leader and most trusted, reliable and secure network.”

“I am excited to join the new First Data,” said Manos.  “First Data is the biggest player in the payments industry yet it also has an innovative and entrepreneurial spirit. In my role as chief technology officer, I will help First Data maintain and grow its market-leading position as a technology company, a payments company, a security company and a solutions provider.”  

Mike put his own post up.

Well after a bit of time in stealth I am finally able to announce that I have taken the position of Chief Technology Officer at First Data. 

...

The move to First Data is an incredibly exciting move for me for many different reasons but one of the key drivers for me is that I feel that this industry is ripe for change.  It’s a move for me from running and building large scale Internet products and infrastructure to the Financial Services Industry.  

Mike’s move has a fair amount of coverage by  the media. 

Mike Manos Moves From AOL to First Data Data Center Knowledge - ‎4 hours ago‎ After bringing micro-modules and lights out data centers to AOL, Mike Manos has moved on. The veteran data center industry executive is now the chief technology officer at payment technology specialist First Data, where he will be responsible for the ...   Former AOL Exec Named Technology Chief at First Data Wall Street Journal (blog) - ‎7 hours ago‎ Former AOL executive Mike Manos has joined First Data Corp. as chief technology officer, the company announced today. He will report to Guy Chiarello, First Data's president and the former CIO of JPMorgan Chase & Co., as the firm seeks to invest in new ...   First Data Names Chief Technology Officer Fort Mills Times - ‎7 hours ago‎ ATLANTA — First Data, the global leader in payment technology and services solutions, today announced the appointment of Michael Manos as chief technology officer. In this position, Manos will be responsible for First Data's global technology infrastructure.   AOL's chief technology officer jumps ship for Atlanta company Atlanta Business Chronicle - ‎2 hours ago‎ Manos joins First Data from AOL Inc. (NYSE:AOL), where he served as its chief technology officer and was responsible for global technology and development platforms for all AOL subscription businesses, the industry, technology and media sites, AOL mail ...   First Data hires AOL CTO Michael Manos Infotech Lead - ‎1 hour ago‎ At AOL, Manos was responsible for technology and development platforms for all AOL subscription businesses, the industry, technology and media sites, AOL mail and messaging, and mobile engineering efforts. First Data hires AOL CTO Michael Manos.

Using LinkedIn to figure out the next unannounced job change

LinkedIn is in the news because of hacks to access its data.

LinkedIn warns company over “Hack In” tool that shows email addresses

by Jeff John Roberts

MAR. 31, 2014 - 4:06 PM PDT

1 Comment

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SUMMARY:

LinkedIn says it will take legal action against a site that lets anyone “Hack In” to find users’ email addresses. That’s good news, but also raises the question of why its possible to “hack in” in the first place

One of the more useful things you can use LinkedIn for is figuring out where your friends are going in their unannounced job change.  I won’t spoil the specific announcement for my good friend who most of you know and where he is going.  This morning checked to see if his profile had been updated yet.  Nope.  He did add a new SVP as a friend from a company XYZ.  Looked up the HQ for the company.  Same city he lives in.  yep.  that’s where he is going with 90% confidence.

it is much harder to keep secrets.  Especially when you post updates on Facebook or do something like accepting a friend on LinkedIn.

Congrats to my friends new job.

Changing The Value of Going to Data Center Conferences from focusing on Content to Friends

Update: as much as this may seem a bit of extreme.  I just thought of three friends, maybe four who are going to the same cities to see friends.

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I had lunch yesterday with a data center executive yesterday who is a good friend.  We caught up on a bunch of different things, then we talked about conferences - Uptime Symposium, AFCOM, 7x24 Exchange are all coming up.   AFCOM is end of Apr.  Uptime is 3rd week of May.  and 7x24 is first week of June.  And as much as I was not trying, I am going to all three.  Well I am going to the cities, not attending all three conferences.  

So what got me to go to three conferences in less than 6 weeks?  Friends.

The philosopher Aristotle said, “In poverty and other misfortunes of life, true friends are a sure refuge. They keep the young out of mischief; they comfort and aid the old in their weakness, and they incite those in the prime of life to noble deeds.”

Ralph Emerson said, “A friend is a person with whom I may be sincere.”

Most would think you want to go to a conference for the content.  Content is nice, but friends are more valuable.

Here is what my plans are.  

I fly in to LV on Apr 29, awesome $200 roundtrip airfare from SEA to LAS.  Stay at the Westin for less than $150. Go to a party.  Participate in a 10a Apr 30 GigaOm Webinar on Taking the Guesswork out of Operational Expenses: Quantifying the Value of Uptime  Fly home on Apr 30.  Not going to AFCOM.

May 20 - 23, SEA to SJC.  Have one company party on May 22.  Another party I am hosting on May 21.  Lots of other friends to see that are in town.  Not planning on attending Uptime Symposium, but will most likely need to go to the hotel bar to meet others who are in town.

June 1-4, SEA to FLL.  Will attend 7x24 Exchange. Sit in presentations.  Attend event parties.  See lots of friends.

What finally got me to go to all three locations in 6 weeks are the friends who I knew would be there.  The content isn’t as important which is why 2 out of 3 I don’t plan on attending the conference.  

Here is a description of 8 different types of roles for friendship.  Below are the three I plan on focusing on going to the above events.

5. Connector

“A connector is a bridge builder. …. Connectors get to know you — and then introduce you to others” (111). Connectors are always inviting you to lunch and other gatherings where you can meet new people, and point you in the right direction when you need something.

6. Energizer

“Energizers are your ‘fun friends’ who always give you a boost. You have more positive moments when you are with these friends. Energizers are quick to pick you up when you’re down — and can make a good day great” (117).

7. Mind Opener

‘Mind Openers are the friends who expand your horizons and encourage you to embrace new ideas, opportunities, cultures, and people. They challenge you to think in innovative ways and help you create positive change. Mind Openers know how to ask good questions, and this makes you more receptive to ideas” (123).