Data centers are structures or specifically designated areas to accommodate the vast data generated by day-to-day digital operations. According to projections made by IDC, the amount of data generated around the globe will reach 175 Zettabytes by the year 2025. Various studies suggest that around 90% of the global data was produced within the past two years exclusively. 
 

Data center ratings play an important role for businesses and companies looking to choose the best data center. Therefore, data centers are rated based on their capacity and classified into several categories according to their performance and reliability. Currently, there exist four levels of data centers, which are classified based on their performance and uptime. Below, we thoroughly examine each tier of data centers.

Data Center Classifications 

The data center tier categorization levels were established by Uptime Institute more than 25 years ago and continue to serve as the global benchmark for data center performance. Their data center tier definitions elucidate the necessary infrastructure for data center operations. The system availability requirements determine the various tiers. These categories are impartial and dependable techniques for evaluating the performance of one site infrastructure in comparison to another and matching infrastructure investments with business objectives.

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Customers may rely on Uptime Institute, the pioneer and authoritative entity in data center tier certification, to accurately assess capabilities and ensure compliance with performance criteria. They possess the exclusive authorization to offer these qualifications, rendering them the sole provider of this esteemed grade.

What are Data Centre Tiers 

Data center tiers are standardized classifications that assess the efficiency and reliability of server facilities responsible for storing and managing data and information. The selection of the data center tier determines the extent of security measures and the amount of possible downtime that may occur within a year. This is of utmost importance because any period of inactivity can result in significant financial losses and damage to one's reputation. Small firms often incur downtime expenses ranging from USD 137 to USD 427 per minute, whilst larger enterprises face charges of USD 5,600 to USD 9,000 per minute.

Data centers are categorized into four levels, ranging from I to IV, with I representing the lowest performance and IV representing the highest performance. Consequently, tier I data centers see the highest amount of downtime, whilst tier IV centers encounter the lowest.  

The Data Center Tier Classification System

The Tier Classification System provides a uniform and unbiased global benchmark for evaluating data center performance. The Uptime Institute developed a method to establish data center tier standards, which classify data centers into four distinct levels of redundancy: Tier I, Tier II, Tier III, and Tier IV. The Uptime Institute's Tier Certification is the objective standard by which data center ratings are evaluated. Each tier is precisely determined based on several aspects, such as,

• data center redundancy levels
• uptime assurance
• staff knowledge
• maintenance methods, and other relevant criteria. 

The Uptime Institute tier levels are intended to offer an understanding of the minimal performance and availability requirements for data centers in each tier. Datacenter suppliers commonly utilize these criteria to assess and establish their abilities in terms of uptime and redundancy. The reliability of a data center increases as you progress from Tier I, which has the lowest level of reliability, to Tier IV, which has the highest level. As you progress up the tier ladder, each level includes the prerequisites of the preceding level. Gaining comprehension of the capabilities at each stage may assist you in aligning your requirements with a data center that possesses suitable equipment. 

Factors Affecting Data Center Tier Classification 

The following are the essential factors that affect the data center tier classification,

• Redundancy in Electrical Systems: The presence of redundant electrical systems is a crucial determinant in the classification of data center tiers. The redundancy factor is determined by the presence of backup power sources, such as generators and UPS systems. Data centers at a higher level include double power systems to guarantee continuous operation, even in the case of a power failure.
• Redundancy in HVAC (Cooling) Systems: Servers and data center infrastructure need effective cooling-focused HVAC systems to run smoothly. High-tier data centers include redundant cooling systems to keep servers and network devices cool. Heat can harm physical components and impact data center operations, making this a crucial requirement.
• Concurrent Maintainability: Routine maintenance and updates must not disturb data center operations. Concurrent maintainability allows data center teams to service and replace infrastructures without affecting key systems. Higher-tier data centers have redundant pathways and components for concurrent maintenance. If the primary component fails during maintenance, the secondary component can support hosted processes.
• Fault Tolerance: Higher-tier data centers are more fault-tolerant and reduce component failures. This includes redundant servers, storage, firewalls, electricity, HVAC, and networking. If a component fails, the workload can be easily transferred to redundant components, preventing downtime or data loss.
• Physical Security: Physical security is the most disregarded data center classification standard. Access control, biometric authentication, 24/7 surveillance, and perimeter fence are essential security features. Higher-tier data centers feature strict security measures to prevent theft and damage to the facility and infrastructure.
• Connectivity: Data centers require fast, dependable connectivity to transfer and access data. For reliable connectivity, higher-tier data centers are usually positioned near strong internet infrastructure, multiple carriers, and several network paths. For redundant connectivity, these data centers use hardlines cellular, and wireless connections.

Data Center Levels

Data centers are classified into 4 levels. These levels are discussed below.

Tier I Data Center 

A Tier I data center provides the fundamental level of infrastructure. This data center tier, which lacks redundant components and relies on a single path for power and cooling, is particularly susceptible to outages caused by both planned and unforeseen faults. Therefore, it is a viable choice for data that does not require complete accessibility, such as storing backups in cold storage. 

Boasting a remarkable uptime of 99.671%, they are an excellent choice for individuals or businesses with minimal operational requirements or non-essential processes. Due to their lower tier classification, Tier I data centers generally have reduced construction and maintenance costs.

Tier II Data Center

Tier II data centers have redundant components to enhance fault tolerance, hence increasing their resilience during emergency situations. Although they maintain a singular power and cooling pathway, they enhance their system by using redundant uninterruptible power supply (UPS) modules and generators to minimize the possibility of failure.

While individual components in a Tier 2 data center can be taken offline for maintenance without causing any interruption, servers may experience downtime if the distribution path needs to be brought offline for any reason. Regularly scheduled annual downtime is typical in Tier 2 data centers, as it is necessary to shut down all components for normal maintenance. In the absence of a backup distribution method, this frequently necessitates server downtime.

This data center tier provides a higher level of availability, with a 99.741% uptime, which is an improvement over Tier I. It offers enhanced reliability without a substantial price hike, making it well-suited for enterprises that can tolerate occasional downtime but yet desire greater dependability and accessibility.

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Tier III Data Center

Tier III data centers possess redundant capacity components, such as cooling and electricity, along with independent and redundant distribution paths. Data centers classified under this tier categorization provide notably increased uptime and operational sustainability. They possess numerous distinct distribution pathways, but only one is utilized at any given time. Crucially, a Tier III data center enables the maintenance of power or cooling components without causing any disruptions to operations, resulting in a significantly increased uptime.

Tier III data centers offer a remarkable 99.982% availability, making them a very suitable option for enterprises requiring continuous operations and little downtime. Nevertheless, these options do entail a higher cost in comparison to lower levels of data centers.

Tier IV Data Center

Tier 4 data centers, such as the London UK Tier 4 Data Center, possess the utmost amount of redundancy across all tiers. These data centers are equipped with numerous autonomous, segregated, and physically isolated systems to ensure redundant capacity components. The facilities possess a completely resilient infrastructure featuring numerous, separate, physically isolated systems that offer duplicate and backup components. These systems have the potential to endure a single unexpected catastrophic event without any negative effects on their operation, and they are designed for optimal availability.

These data centers boast a remarkable availability rate of 99.995%, rendering them highly suitable for mission-critical applications and companies that cannot tolerate any downtime and require uninterrupted operational continuity. Although they are the most costly, they undeniably justify their price with an abundance of features.

Does a Tier V Data Center Exist?

Although the Uptime Institute does not currently recognize a formal tier V data center, there have been recent deliberations over the characteristics and specifications that would define a potential fifth tier. Specifically, a tier V data center would adhere to all the criteria established by tier IV, while also fulfilling supplementary sustainability requirements.  

The supplementary tier V regulations necessitate the capability to operate the network without water, an external air pollutant monitoring system, permanently embedded stored energy system monitors, securable server racks, reliance on local and renewable power, and maybe other requirements. Formal tier V standards have not yet been released, however. 

Conclusion 

The appropriate data center tier for your firm is mostly determined by your existing security posture, data utilization, and financial limitations. 

Companies that store large amounts of data, especially customer and client data, are ideal candidates for the enhanced security measures afforded by tier III and tier IV data centers, which are not available in the lower tiers. If your primary priority is efficiency, then tier III is the minimum data center tier that offers the required services without the added issue of experiencing more substantial periods of downtime, as can be the case with tiers I and II. Businesses that prioritize comprehensive security, continuous availability, and have a higher budget are advised to opt for Tier IV.

Regardless of your current stage in the business trajectory or the appropriate data center tier for your firm, it is imperative to have a well-defined strategy for managing data in today's digital world.  

Frequently Asked Questions 

Here are some frequently asked questions about the topic,

What is a data center tier rating?

Data center tier rating is a standardized classification method employed in the industry to assess the reliability, quality, and performance of data centers. The system consists of four tiers, namely Tier I, II, III, and IV.

Is it possible to destroy a data center?

Absolutely, data centers are susceptible to complete destruction in the event of severe calamities such as floods, fires, or natural catastrophes. Nevertheless, a Tier III or IV data center will maintain off-site backups of your data.

What is the classification of Google Cloud in terms of tier?

Google Cloud provides customers with a Tier IV data center grade, positioning it as a top choice for mission-critical operations. This tier is characterized by its exceptional reliability and greater performance compared to other tiers, guaranteeing outstanding redundancy and uptime.

Who sets the standard for data center tiers?

The Uptime Institute establishes the benchmark for data center tiers. Established in 1993, this firm specializes in delivering services aimed at enhancing the dependability of computer networks. The institute devised the Tier Standard, a classification system that evaluates data centers based on their redundancy, dependability, and performance. 

Which is Asia's largest Tier 4 data center?

CtrlS is the largest Tier-4 data center in Asia and the only data center in India that is certified as Tier 4. It also serves as a provider of managed services. The company is now introducing Bangalore's first Tier-4 data center, which has been evaluated as one of the biggest Tier-4 data centers in South India.

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