Presenters: Gordon Penver and Jacque Newman
Title: Inside the Data Centre: The Hidden World Powering Our Digital Lives
Abstract: Every email you send, every online purchase you make, every photo you store in the cloud, and every video call you join relies on something most of us never see - a data centre.
Join us for a rare behind-the-scenes visit to one of Datacom's highly secure Auckland data centres and discover the technology and infrastructure that quietly keeps our digital world running.
During this guided tour, you'll learn how data centres operate, why they're critical to modern life, and how power, cooling, security, and monitoring systems work together to keep essential digital services available around the clock. Along the way, Datacom's expert team will explain complex technology in practical, easy-to-understand terms and answer your questions as you explore the facility.
Whether you're curious about technology, fascinated by engineering, or simply want to understand what really happens "in the cloud", this is a unique opportunity to step inside one of New Zealand's most important pieces of digital infrastructure.
Date & Location:
This Technological Impact Workshop will run on Monday 17th August from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at the Datacom Orbit Data Centre.
About the expert
Datacom
Datacom is one of Australasia's leading technology companies, helping organisations across New Zealand and Australia design, build, and manage the digital systems that underpin everyday life. From businesses and government agencies to schools and healthcare providers, Datacom supports the technology that keeps critical services running securely and reliably.
As part of this work, Datacom owns and operates a network of highly secure data centres across Auckland, Hamilton, Wellington, and Christchurch. These purpose-built facilities house the technology that powers everything from emails and websites to online banking, cloud services, and business systems. Designed for continuous operation, they feature advanced power, cooling, monitoring, and security systems to ensure data remains protected and available around the clock.
Datacom is also committed to building a more sustainable digital future. Its New Zealand data centres are on a journey towards 100% renewable energy and utilise innovative closed-loop cooling systems to reduce water consumption, while maintaining internationally recognised information security standards.
Through this exclusive behind-the-scenes experience, Datacom offers a rare opportunity to discover the hidden infrastructure that keeps our increasingly connected world running.
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