The National Data Management Authority (NDMA) plays a pivotal role through its Data Centre Department in revolutionizing government services throughout Guyana. As the nation experiences rapid digital advancements, the NDMA facilitates internet access for government entities via its high-speed services and dedicated fiber optic network connections.

In a recent episode of the NDMA’s Tech Talk, the Authority highlighted the Data Centre Department’s crucial function in enhancing government services through effective data management and Information and Communication Technology (ICT) strategies. A data center is described as a centralized facility that stores, manages, and secures essential IP systems and data, serving as the backbone for digital operations. This infrastructure is vital for storing extensive information, ensuring continuous application access, and enabling seamless communication.

The Authority emphasized that the staff within this essential department lead the charge in digital transformation, focusing on maintaining data integrity and optimizing network infrastructure design. Their responsibilities include providing network connectivity for clients to the internet, their servers, and other branches.

Assistant ICT Engineer Gerard Budhan remarked, “We ensure fast, smooth, and reliable network connectivity, promoting efficiency, reliability, and innovation.” To prepare for potential disasters, the department implements three crucial steps.

The first step is redundancy; while configuring its network, the department ensures ample redundancy and employs protocols such as the Virtual Routing and Redundancy Protocol (VRRP). Budhan elaborated, “Secondly, we conduct regular testing to confirm our network aligns with our design. The third step involves consistent backups and testing those backups to guarantee continuity and reliability across our network.”

At the data center, personnel collaborate closely with other departments within the infrastructure division, including Power and Environment and the Network Operations Centre, to ensure continuous operational capability. Budhan emphasized that the data centre functions as the brain of the entire network infrastructure, underscoring its critical role in the overall digital ecosystem.