“New Type of Data Center-Distributed
Data Center”
Charles Mata – Prime Wire & Cable Inc. –
City of Industry, California, USA
Data centers are constantly evolving. We have already
seen some significant developments in the data center
industry throughout the years. Since the introduction
and growth of new applications like Artificial
Intelligence (A.I.), 5G, and Internet of Things (IoT),
the demand for more rapid and efficient exchanging of
data are becoming even more essential. We will briefly
discuss the different types of networking systems
(Centralized, Decentralized, and Distributed) currently
known in the data center industry then dive deeper
into the different types of Distributed Data Centers
along with their pros and cons.
“Will Your Client’s Building Pass the Emergency
Responder Radio Test?”
Chip Chapman, RCDD – Integrated Building
Systems – Columbus, Ohio, USA
Fire code requires all new buildings and most major
renovations to provide indoor radio coverage for first
responders. Failing this mandated test could delay
a building’s certificate of occupancy. Learn
the national, state and local requirements for
Emergency Responder Radio Systems (ERRS),
including radio-frequency (RF) testing, design and
installation. Even though this code is longstanding
in many states, enforcement is heating up. Get your
business ready to respond.
“Building for Compliance – Tracking Life Safety
from Design to Implementation”
Justin Pine, RCDD – Specified Technologies, Inc. –
Somerville, New Jersey, USA
The design and implementation of Life Safety
systems has improved significantly in recent years.
Utilizing plugins and smart objects in BIM, the choice
of appropriate Passive Fire Protection Systems has
never been easier. However, these tools all stumble
during initial installation or worse, compromised
completely over time as Moves, Adds, and Changes
occur. New tools have become available that leverage
your project model as well as enforce design decisions
and track life safety systems for the lifetime of the
facility without introducing administrative burdens.
CONCURRENT SESSIONS
3–4 p.m.
“Just What the Doctor Ordered: How Healthcare
Facility Infrastructure Depends on Smart
Cabling, Smarter Planning”
Mitch Cohen, RCDD – Chatsworth Products, Inc. –
Chatsworth, California, USA
When patient lives are on the line, it’s no wonder that
89 percent of hospital facility professionals consider
withstanding natural disasters and power outages
as one of the most critical components in the design
of new healthcare facilities. The presenter will review
the key TIA 1179-A requirements that can help
contractors build the mission-critical networks that
healthcare facilities rely on to provide safe, accurate
and continuous patient care. This includes a deeper
look at cabling topologies, distances, pathways and
spaces, as well as entrance facilities, equipment and
telecommunications rooms, enclosures and grounding
and bonding best practices. The presenter will
also review the seismic requirements of California’s
OSHPD (Office of Statewide Health Planning
& Development) and the use of OSHPD Preapproval
of Manufacture’s Certification (OPM).
“The Definition of an Edge Data Center –
404 Not Found”
Sean Kelly, RCDD – Rosenberger North America –
York, Pennsylvania, USA
Edge data centers are a hot topic these days and
the growth of 5G applications and deployments will
move from buzzword to necessity. Unfortunately,
defining what an edge data center is or what it isn’t
is not an easy task and finding a clear answer is not
easily found. This presentation will address the key
characteristics of what makes a true edge data center.
It isn’t just about size or location, to be a true edge
data center, it must perform certain tasks, in
a defined way, to accomplish a specific benefit. There
are many small data centers, micro data centers,
container data centers, and edge compute devices that
are sometimes referred to as edge data centers, but
really aren’t, but that does not take away from their
importance in a network.
“Grounding System Design and Testing for
Critical Facilities”
Roy Whitten – Lyncole XIT Grounding –
Torrance, California, USA
A ground system is critical for the protection, reliability
and performance of sensitive electronic equipment.
This session will describe what constitutes an NEC
compliant grounding system; also methods of
testing, including clamp-on ground resistance meters
and the 3-point fall of potential test, with details
on factors that may invalidate a test. Also discussed
will be grounding’s relationship to surge suppression
and lightning protection. We will also cover how to
properly test and achieve valid results.
“Solving the Project Management Equation”
Mike Geraghty – Emory University –
Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Learn the basic principles of how people, process and
tools impact the success of ICT projects. Using proven
best practices, this session will prepare attendees to
apply the key concepts of ICT project management
including project planning, scheduling, budgeting and
effective communication.
Thursday, 3 October
CLOSING GENERAL SESSION
8:30 a.m.–noon
8:30–9:15 a.m.
“Preparing for 5G and Beyond: 5 Considerations
for Next-Gen Wireless Networks”
Mark Niehus, RCDD – Connectivity Wireless
Solutions – Duluth, Georgia, USA
Scott Rahim – Connectivity Wireless Solutions –
Duluth, Georgia, USA
On the precipice of 5G, 2020 has long been touted
a game-changing year with the promise of “more,
better and faster” connectivity that will capacitate
smarter buildings and new technology development to
the likes of which we have never before seen. So, what
do we as BICSI professionals need to be aware of when
designing and installing wireless infrastructures and
systems to support the next cycle of technology?
This presentation will cover five key considerations
as a clear roadmap to help installers, designers,
RCDDs and project managers prepare for and create
value in a 5G-centric world.
9:15–10 a.m.
“Diversity in the Infrastructure – Awareness,
Leadership, Mentoring”
Chrissy Olsen – INNO4 –
Vancouver, Washington, USA
It is time to prioritize diversity across technology.
There have been calls for more diversity across
numerous industries lately: movies, TV, sports,
publishing and more - and the technology industry is
at the top of the list. Technology impacts and is used
by us almost every hour of every day. Currently, men
hold 76% of technical jobs, and 95% of the technical
workforce is white. This panel discussion by female
leaders within the BICSI Community will cover true
statistics in benefits of hiring women in the industry,
how each of us made our way in the industry and
thrived and what the industry has given back to us.
A thoughtful and insightful - women led discussion.
CLOSING KEYNOTE
8:45 a.m.–9:30 a.m.
Antitrust
BICSI believes strongly in competition. U.S. antitrust laws are the rules
under which our competitive system operates. It is BICSI’s policy to
comply in all respects with the antitrust laws.
Association meetings or workshops by their very nature bring
competitors together. Accordingly, it is necessary to avoid discussions
of sensitive topics. Agreements to fix prices, allocate markets, engage
in product boycotts and to refuse to deal with third parties are automatically
illegal under the antitrust laws. It does not matter what the reason
for the agreement might be.
Accordingly, at any association meeting discussions of prices (including
elements of prices such as allowances and credit terms), quality ratings
of suppliers, and discussions that may cause a competitor to cease
purchasing from a particular supplier, or selling to a particular customer,
should be avoided. Also, there should be no discussion that might be
interpreted as a dividing up of territories.
An antitrust violation does not require proof of a formal agreement.
A discussion of a sensitive topic, such as price, followed by action
by those involved or present at the discussion is enough to show
a price-fixing conspiracy. As a result, those attending an association
sponsored meeting should remember the importance of avoiding
not only unlawful activities, but even the appearance of unlawful activity.
Technical Sessions
Visit bicsi.org/fall for full conference schedule and details.
/fall