The Security Industry Association Launches Data Centre Advisory Board Led by Microsoft’s Jim Black
The Security Industry Association (SIA) has recently established a new Data Centre Advisory Board, with Microsoft’s Jim Black at the helm, to offer expert guidance on data centre security in response to the escalating demand for cloud infrastructure.
Rising Demand for Cloud Infrastructure
The decision by SIA to form the Data Centre Advisory Board comes at a time of rapid expansion in the data centre sector, fueled by the growing adoption of artificial intelligence and other compute-intensive technologies that are driving the need for cloud storage. The heightened Government scrutiny on the security of data centres, particularly in the UK where they were designated as Critical National Infrastructure last year, further underscores the necessity for enhanced security measures in this sector.
Focus and Objectives of the Advisory Board
SIA has outlined that the primary focus of the Data Centre Advisory Board will be on developing guidelines and information pertaining to security deployments, fostering collaboration between security suppliers and data centre security practitioners, and engaging with SIA’s Government relations team on legislative and regulatory matters affecting the industry.
Leadership and Vision
Leading the Data Centre Advisory Board is industry veteran Jim Black, who brings a wealth of experience from his tenure at Microsoft since 2011, where he plays a pivotal role in shaping security technology strategies to safeguard assets and personnel across Microsoft’s extensive network of over 400 data centres globally. Black’s appointment reflects his deep expertise and qualifications for steering the Advisory Board towards establishing modern security standards to fortify cloud critical infrastructure protection worldwide.
Jim Black expressed his enthusiasm for spearheading the Advisory Board, recognizing the industry’s growth and evolving risks driven by emerging technologies and operational challenges. SIA’s Chief Executive, Don Erickson, highlighted Black’s invaluable experience in large-scale data centre environments, underscoring the significance of his leadership in shaping the Board’s strategic direction from its inception.
The establishment of the Data Centre Advisory Board marks a significant milestone for SIA, with high expectations for the Board to make substantial contributions under Jim Black’s guidance, leveraging his expertise to enhance the industry’s professionalism and knowledge base.
