Certified Data Centre Professional (CDCP) Practice Exam 2026 - Free CDCP Practice Questions and Study Guide

The primary causes of downtime in a data center largely stem from hardware or system failure and human error. Hardware or system failures can include issues such as server malfunctions, failure of storage devices, or problems with networking equipment. When these critical components fail, it can lead to significant interruptions in service, ultimately affecting the availability and performance of the data center.

Human error is another significant contributor to downtime. This can occur in various forms, such as misconfigurations during maintenance activities, accidental deletions of critical data, or errors in deployment processes. Even the most robust systems can be vulnerable to the unintended mistakes of operators, which highlights the importance of training and adherence to operational protocols.

While the other options do present valid causes of downtime in a data center, the focus on hardware/system failures and human error in the correct answer encompasses a broader range of scenarios that are common in operational environments. Understanding these primary causes can guide preventive measures, including implementing redundancy, improving training programs, and monitoring systems to minimize the risk of downtime.