The European Data Center Association, or EUDCA, has announced it is establishing 4 working groups in a bid to address key issues related to the European data center industry. The groups, which EUDCA members from 17 countries can join and contribute to, have been given the titles "The Regulation and Policy Working Group", "The Data Protection Working Group", "The Standards Working Group", and "The Energy Working Group".
EUDCA's brief is to create an single association that overseas other organizations and represents the data center industry in Europe. The organization has particular focus on regulation and policy that might impact the industry. It also aims to establish best practice and provide education and leadership in addressing the technical standards the data center industry must apply.
EUDCA's Regulation and Policy Working Group will consider the "Digital Agenda for Europe" alongside general issues related data centers in Europe. The group will address proposed legislation in Europe and establish its impact on the European data center industry. It will also consider where EUDCA can "best apply its influence".
The Data Protection Working Group has already been established and is looking into the ISO 27018 standard which addresses data protection controls in public clouds. The group is investigating contact with other organizations that are addressing the same topic. It is currently an external partner of the ISO JTC1/S27 working group which is developing the new ISO 27018 standard.
The Standards Working Group will work with organizations that include the Uptime Institute, TIA, and The Green Grid to consider standards that already exist that apply to the data center industry, and also consider future standards such as the proposed ISO 56000 with a view to establishing a European standard.
Through the Energy Working Group EUDCA will consider energy policy to guide the European data center industry. The group will map the energy needs of a growing industry with the European Grid Status and make proposals that ensure the digital economy has access to the energy it requires.
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