Understanding data centre tiers and types helps IT teams differentiate between the productivity, uptime, construction and design offered by each level. The data centre tier classification system can be valuable for companies when analysing the best specifications to align with business and reliability goals.
The four data centre types reflect varying specifications related to performance, redundancy, power sources, etc. With help from the tier classification system, companies can customise IT infrastructure to fit unique industry and compliance needs.
Key takeaways:
What are data centre tiers?
The Uptime Institute established the tier classification system over 25 years ago to create transparency and consistent data centre standards. Using the tier guidelines, IT teams can select the relevant performance criteria for their data centre infrastructure.
Even if you aren’t seeking a certified tier level, it can be helpful to reference the standards as you consider how to structure your IT infrastructure to meet performance, redundancy and compliance requirements.
What are the differences in data centre tier levels?
The main differences in each data centre tier are:
- Availability
- Cost
- Efficiency
- Implementation time
- Paths for power
- Redundancy
- Security
- Sustainability
- Uptime
It’s up to the IT specialist to determine their preferred tier standard and which customisations they need to meet business objectives. As the level increases, so do the costs and uptime.
The new Tier 5® Platinum standard
In 2017, colocation and cloud service provider, Switch, revealed the first-ever Tier 5 data centre. This advanced data centre features heightened redundancy, long-term power capabilities, zero roof penetrations, physical and network security, 100% renewable energy use and more. To date, the Uptime Institute doesn’t acknowledge Tier 5 data centres in their certification, but the original creators of the standards support the newest tier level.
Industry experts have identified significant threats that affect colocation data centres, including water damage, earthquakes, insufficient security and more. While other data centre rating systems don’t consider these elements, Switch created the Tier 5 standard to “reduce the lack of transparency and enhance the reliability of data centre rating standards.” The new standard provides their customers increased service and security.
Why are data centre tiers important?
The tier classification system reinforces benchmarks to better align your company’s fiscal and performance goals with new infrastructure investments. In many cases, this is viewed as the primary benefit. Tiers can be valuable for:
Productivity and uptime
When customers rely on software for their business operations, they want reassurance that your data centre is redundant. This is especially important for companies that provide Software as a Service (SaaS).
Credibility and compliance
A data centre tier certification proves your organisation’s infrastructure is well-equipped to achieve company goals. Each tier is held to rigorous standards, and achieving tier certification puts your data centre under review and proves compliance — reassuring stakeholders that their investment is not at risk and that your facility meets their specifications.
Construction and design
A lot goes into designing a data centre, including establishing server locations, power sources, safety measures, etc. When building a new data centre or updating an existing one, you can use the tier classification system as a guideline for what elements to include in your system.
What’s the right data centre tier level for your organisation?
There isn’t one right answer when creating the data centre that best serves your business. The process requires a large investment of time, strategy, skills and funds. However, understanding data centre tiers and types can help you ask your team, business leaders and vendor partners the right questions.
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