On the surface, a data center looks like an ordinary shed. In reality, the data center is a highly complex infrastructure. That's why they are classified according to different criteria and certifications.
Servers, storage systems, network switches, routers, firewalls, cables, physical racks... Not forgetting a power distribution system, an electrical switch, dedicated backup generators, a ventilation and cooling system...
In short, a data center is a highly complex piece of machinery to master. For companies investing in this type of project, it's vital to ensure that the installation will deliver the level of IT performance and reliability required to meet business objectives. While availability, data security and service quality are essential, companies also need to ensure a return on their investment.
This is as true for the IT giants as it is for smaller companies who decide to build smaller data centers in the provinces. They are banking on proximity to the Paris region, which still accounts for over 80% of data centers.
Whatever their size and special features, data centers have to meet a number of criteria. There are several organizations offering classifications (Syska Hennessy, TIA 942, BICSI 002), but only the Uptime Institute issues certifications. Since 2015, it has certified over 1,000!
Source :https://uptimeinstitute.com/TierCertification/certMaps.php
This independent advisory body classifies data centers into four levels: TIER I, II, III and IV. Each level has the same characteristics as the previous one, but with additional improvements. The aim is to assess the quality and reliability of a data center's hosting capabilities.
Tier I - "basic
This level corresponds to a data center with a single power supply, with no redundancy for either infrastructure or air conditioning.
- Uptime: 99.671%.
- Annual maintenance shutdown.
Tier II - partial redundancy
Some electrical distribution components are redundant, but the electrical distribution path is not. Scheduling maintenance operations on redundant components avoids any impact on hardware.
- Uptime: 99.741%.
- 22 hours (average) of interruption per year.
Tier III - concurrent maintenance
All components are redundant and multiple distribution paths exist, but only one is used (active/passive distribution). All hardware is dual-powered.
- Uptime: 99.982%.
- 1.6 hours (average) of interruption per year.
Tier IV - fault tolerance
There are several power sources. Each system is redundant and physically
compartmentalized. The datacenter automatically supports unexpected component shutdowns.
Continuous cooling: room temperature is maintained even during a power cut.
- Uptime: 99.995%.
- 0.8 hours (average) of interruption per year.
To be classified within these different levels, the datacenter must meet various specifications and certifications.
Document certification
This is a prerequisite for subsequent certifications. The aim is to ensure that the project's technical and architectural specifications meet the availability targets set by the data center operator. The Uptime Institute also provides recommendations for improving operational sustainability.
Certification of the installation
On paper, everything looks optimal. But mistakes or malfunctions during construction can have a negative impact. That's why this certification (including system demonstrations under real-life conditions) guarantees that the installation has been built as planned. It also verifies that it is capable of meeting the defined availability requirements.
Certification of sustainable operations
Operational sustainability criteria identify elements that have an impact on long-term availability. There are three key categories: management and operations, building characteristics and site location. It is at this level that Uptime Institute checks whether there are enough staff, whether they have been properly trained, and whether the various procedures are understood and mastered. The aim? To minimize the risk of error.
But Uptime Institute's classifications are not unique. Other certifications can be used to refine the selection of a datacenter according to your requirements.
These include Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design. LEED is considered one of the world's most popular green building certification programs. E-merchants will use PCI DSS-compliant data hosting providers. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard is the data security standard for the payment card industry.
Finally, there's ISO 27001, which describes the requirements for information systems security.
