Data centers getting their tiers confused

02/04/2011

Over a decade ago, The Uptime Institute established a set of standards, split into four tiers, that measure a data center's overall reliability, availability and performance.

According to a report from Cabling Installation & Maintenance, more recent additions to the tier system have created some confusion in data centers. The TIA-942 Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers has been the primary cause of confusion, the report said.

Since its creation by Chris DiMinico and Jonathan Jew in 2005, the TIA-942 has created a number of myths in terms of data center networking, construction and management, according to the article.

Most of this confusion stems from misunderstandings about the distinctions between the two standards. According to the report, the TIA-942 standard details technological systems that can be installed to meet the standard's set in various tiers. However, actually reaching the tiers prescribed in the TUI standard depends on correct engineering and maintenance of those systems.

While explaining a new data center project underway near Atlanta, Georgia, Josh Rhine of Forgo Data Centers told the Atlanta Business Chronicle the company is building the facility to meet tier 3 standards. As a result, it will feature redundant power and networking supplies.

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