As technology is growing rapidly, data is mounting to heap. It revolutionized every industry and concept of data centers came into existence; because companies want fast and uninterrupted web presence. Generally, data centers are the physically located infrastructure where web host providers offer array of hosting solutions to clients. In addition to processors, networking components and other computing options, storage options in data centers are also available in cabinets, racks and rooms for servers. Data center standards evaluate reliability and quality of data center’s server hosting. The four-tier ranking system is used to determine reliability of a data center. This rating system starts with Tier I data centers and ends with Tier IV data centers. Let’s dive into various data center tiers:
1. Tier 1
Tier 1 data center is considered as least reliable tier due to its non-redundant capacity components and distribution path is single and non-redundant. It is usually used by small businesses and its features include:
- • 99.671% Uptime
- • Provides cheapest service offering
2. Tier 2
Tier 2 data centers are more reliable than tier 1 data centers. To achieve tier 2, the facility has to ensure that all capacity components are fully redundant. Its benefits include:
- • 99.749% Uptime
- • Partial redundancy in cooling and power
- • 22 hours of downtime per year
3. Tier 3
Tier 3 data centers are most cost effective solutions for majority of businesses. It has 99.98% uptime which ensures minimal downtime. This indicates that equipment can face maximum of two hours of downtime annually. Tier 3 data centers meet all the requirements of tiers 1 & 2. It also provides fully fault-resistant equipment; all equipments including storage, servers and more are fully fault-resistant. It is considered 3+ in the marketplace. The specifications include:
- • 99.98% uptime
- • 1.6 hours of downtime annually
- • 72 hour power outage protection
4. Tier 4
Tier 4 data centre is expensive option for businesses. It has all the requirement of tiers 1, 2 & 3 and ensures that all equipments are fully fault-resistant. Tier 4 data center serves enterprise corporations and packed with features:
- • 99.995% uptime
- • 2N+1 fully redundant infrastructure
- • Power outage protection of 96 hours
- • 26.3 minutes downtime annually
Why Tier 3 data center is better?
- • Affordable than tier 4 facilities
- • No disruption to equipment
- • All maintenance is performed without impact to equipment
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On the ending note, it is easy to decide whether particular data centre is suitable for your needs or not. Make sure that data center is efficiently working to meet standards of excellence.