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Arnie W. Evdokimo is chief executive officer of DP Air Corporation, a leading provider of data center design, build and maintenance services based in Phoenix. For more information about Building a Data Center, visit http://dpair.com/design-data-center/today.
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Building a Data Center: How to Understand Tier Classifications
Building a Data Center • Four data center tier classifications exists, from basic Tier I to rigid Tier IV • Balance the need for availability with the cost of redundancy – higher tier level, means greater availability but at more cost • Objectively identify performance levels • Tier classification involves operation of the data center as a whole
Building a Data Center Tier I - Basic Site Infrastructure • Has non-redundant capacity components and single, non-redundant distribution path • Things to know about building Tier I • Planned work will require all systems shut down • Planned and unplanned disruptions will affect availability of computer equipment • When preventive maintenance and repair occurs, data center infrastructure must be on complete shut down
Building a Data Center Tier II - Redundant Site Infrastructure Capacity Components • Have redundant capacity components and single, non-redundant distribution path • Things to know about Tier II • No computer shut down required for removal of redundant capacity vs. System shut down required for removal of distribution paths • Unplanned and planned work will affect data center availability
Building a Data Center Tier III - Concurrently Maintainable Site Infrastructure • Have redundant capacity components and multiple independent distribution path. All IT equipment must be dual-powered • Things to know about Tier III • Elements and components can be removed from service without impacting computer equipment • Sufficient and permanently installed capacity exists • Unplanned activities can disrupt computer equipment • Available alternative power sourcevv
Building a Data Center Tier IV -- Fault Tolerant Site Infrastructure • Gauranteed highest levels of availability • Most rigid category – hosts mission critical compartmentalized systems, redundant subsystems, compartmentalized security and strict security control methods • Things to know about Tier IV • Fault tolerant data center. Power and cooling maintained after infrastructure failure
Building a Data Center Tier IV -- Fault Tolerant Site Infrastructure • Things to know about Tier IV • Failures within will not affect computer equipment. • Sufficient capacity exists, no planned or unplanned activity can disrupt site • Engine-generator is primary power source. Available alternative power source
Building a Data Center About the Author Arnie W. Evdokimo is chief executive officer of DP Air Corporation, a leading provider of data center design, build and maintenance services based in Phoenix. For more information about Building a Data Center, visit http://dpair.com/design-data-center/today.