About EDCF
The Forum originated in January 2012. Founding members stressed a desire to conduct focused group discussions on common challenges encountered in delivering continuous facilities systems operation. This is largely accomplished through conferences and quarterly 90 minute conference calls. Each conference includes a data center tour with group feedback. All agenda topics are requested and volunteered by participants in advance of each event. Continuing dialogue occurs through the Forum's interactive website and via telephone. Summaries of all facilitated communications and posted copies of presentations are maintained for members' access in a secured area of this website.
The annual participation fee covers unlimited attendees from each member company. The fee is determined by dividing actual operating expenses by the number of participating companies. There are no additional fees for conference registration. Hotel, meal, and travel expenses are paid individually by each attendee.
The Forum conducted its first conference in May 2012 in Colorado Springs. Fifteen individuals participated in the initial three-day meeting, which focused on group discussions on a variety of topics, several unique presentations, and a thorough tour of Progressive's data center. By 2015, the Forum had grown to eleven member companies and 46 conference attendees.
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Three-day meetings are held twice a year at locations of Forum members who have volunteered a tour of one of their data center facilities. Attendees provide same-day feedback on optimal practices and potential items of concern observed during the tour. The remainder of each three-day meeting is devoted to group discussions and presentations on current topics of interest generated by the membership.
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In addition, a feedback session is conducted with a representative from each member company at each conference to suggest new enhancements to the Forum experience. Ideas agreed upon by a majority of Forum members are implemented the following year.