The data center industry is thriving, and as more data is stored in the cloud, tech giants like Amazon, Google, Facebook, etc. will look to grow their data center operations around the world. A job opportunity for the tech-minded is becoming a data center engineer.

The Education

A data center engineer will perform a number of important functions around a center in order to keep it functioning smoothly. The primary tasks are the setup, design, and management of network systems and the organization of IT solutions that ensure efficient working of data center equipment. In addition to standard data center training, an engineer will need a Bachelor’s degree in the computer science field or related disciplines of computer systems engineering or electronic engineering. Specialized training in different programming languages may also be necessary, with certifications that can be earned through both online or in-classroom training. Engineers also need to have knowledge of software-defined systems and virtualization.

The Responsibilities

The engineer is responsible for a number of tasks around a data center. They include:

• Fixing issues in network performance
• Inspecting power and cooling systems
• Calibrating, evaluating, and monitoring servers
• Troubleshooting network systems
• Collaborating with managers and IT personnel to develop improvement plans
• Carrying out systems administration duties

The Skill Sets

Engineers must be able to test server hardware and network systems, being able to identify issues and faults, and recommending the needed fixes. Data modeling tools like Enterprise Architect, ERWin, MongoDB, data mining, data warehousing solutions, and statistical analysis are vital technical skills needed to do the job well. The engineer must also be able to work effectively with others within the data center, whether or not they are involved in the IT end of operations. Problem-solving skills and interpersonal skills combine to create effective data center strategies.

The increased need for data centers in the future shows the job security potential for data center engineers. With the right education and training, there will be plenty of work to be done.…

Breaking into a new career as an insurance agent can be an exciting prospect with many factors to consider. Success may depend on how you handle your blossoming business and what guidelines you set for your employees. As you build a customer base and work to promote your business, there are a few tips to keep in mind that may help you increase its effectiveness and ensure quality customer service.

1. Find Common Ground With Clients

While most insurance clients look for a variety of customer service factors, there are a few ways you can break the ice with individuals who seek your services. One way to accomplish this is to find common ground with those who visit your office. Ask if your prospective client has a family, hobbies or enjoys traveling, as all of these questions might open the door for relaxed conversation.

2. Buy Error Insurance

Omission and error insurance can help protect you against human fallibility and any mistakes you might make with a client. For example, if you operate in Texas, then consider examining errors and omissions insurance for insurance agents Houston TX as protection against costly legal fees that may occur if a client decides to sue you for a breach of contract or because you could not fulfill a promise you made regarding insurance services.

3. Make Contracts Clear

Providing your clients with insurance contracts that are clearly written and simple to understand may eliminate confusion and provide your client with peace of mind regarding coverage. It is wise to review contracts before offering them to your customers, as poor grammar and misspelled words may cause you to appear unprofessional.

A career in the insurance field can be rewarding and provide you with the chance to run your own business. Keeping the aforementioned tips in mind as you build your reputation and client base may contribute to long-term success.…

As a small business owner, you know that keeping up good financial practices is essential to your company’s long-term success. If you’re wondering what banking moves you should make today to start building a strong financial foundation for your business’s future, there are a few key tips you should know about. Take a look.

1. Get a Separate Bank Account Just for Business Purposes

One of the first and most important things to do with your business finances is to make sure you have separate personal and business bank accounts. Besides making it easier to track business expenses, having a small business checking account Fort Payne AL can also save you a potential headache at tax time. For simplifying your recordkeeping and potentially getting business-specific perks, a separate account is the way to go.

2. Consider Potential Fees

Before you open a new account, be sure to read the agreement details for any associated fees. Not all business checking accounts are free, and while the fees may be worth it for your company, it’s best to understand what you’ll be liable for paying before signing up. You’ll also want to consider other restrictions associated with the account, such as the number of transactions you’ll be allowed to make per month, for instance.

3. Consult a Team of Specialists

Finally, even though personally running every aspect of your business operations may be tempting, you’ll likely be better off, in the long run, consulting with a team of specialists who can help you with the ins and outs of details you might not have otherwise considered. For instance, you’ll want to foster personal relationships with an accountant, a lawyer and possibly also a banker, at a minimum.

Keeping up with good banking practices is essential to maintaining your small business’s finances and leading your company to success. Keep these tips in mind, and you can feel confident about making the right financial choices for your business.…

The aerospace industry is one of the most high-tech fields, developing the latest in aircraft, space vehicle and guided missile technology, just to name a few applications. Several innovations are currently having a big influence on aerospace engineering.

Stronger, Lighter Materials

Materials can always be improved upon when it comes to optimal parts performance for the aerospace industry. Strong, yet lightweight, materials need to be able to resist extreme temperatures and environments, as well as perform at extremely high speeds. Ceramics and other nonmetals are being explored for their use in turbines because of their outstanding resistance to heat. With the help of graphene and carbon nanotubes, airplane wings are lighter weight, which makes them more fuel-efficient.

3D Printing

3D printing continues to progress and make a significant impact in many different industries. It’s expected to have a huge influence in the aerospace industry. Among the perks of 3D printing are the complex design of parts and the production of more durable parts that weigh less. It also allows for printing on demand of parts such as various aerospace fittings. If a company can’t get a part shipped in on time, it can be printed on location. Currently, Airbus 3D prints over 1,000 different parts for its A350. Regularly replaced spare parts are great 3D printing options for aerospace companies. In some cases, the construction tools themselves can be 3D printed.

Active Structures

With the advancement of aerospace technology, higher speeds, including transonic and supersonic speeds, must be allowed for. Aircraft must have the ability to move fluidly despite flight conditions and weight loads. The development of active structures ensures that aircraft perform as safely and efficiently as possible under harsh external aerodynamic forces. They accomplish this by being very adaptive to environmental changes while in operation (e.g., memory alloys).

Aerospace technology gives you a glimpse into the future of air and space travel. It never ceases to be exciting.…

If you are thinking of opening a business, a franchise is a great idea. It may be easier than starting your own stand-alone business because there is a tried and true system in place, and you will get to enjoy the benefits that come with that franchise’s name. However, there are some things you should know before jumping into this important decision.

Don’t Do It Alone

Even if you’ve owned a business before, you shouldn’t go into this new business venture alone. And you don’t have to. There are lawyers, such as Suzanne Cummings, who can help you through the ins and outs of buying a franchise. The internet, as always, is also a good resource, such as the FTC Guide to Buying a Franchise or this article that covers the basics of franchises.

Choose One That Suits You

Keep in mind that a franchise doesn’t run itself, and you should be well suited for all the work it will entail, otherwise you are just setting yourself up for failure. If you have never worked in food service then a chain restaurant might not be a good option for you. And, obviously, if you hate the idea of sales, make sure that the franchise you are considering doesn’t include sales at all.

Do Your Research

Just because a franchise looks like it’s successful doesn’t mean it doesn’t have its problems. Do some homework – ask to speak with franchisees to see what they have to say about what they went through buying their franchise and what they’ve been through since they started.

Buying a franchise might be a great idea, and it may seem like it would be a much safer idea than starting a business from scratch. Just make sure you do your homework and get some help if you need it.…