Tier IV vs. Tier 5®
Switch obtained the Uptime Institute Tier IV Gold certifications in 2014 and 2016. Since that time, Switch became concerned that other data center standards fail to provide sufficient transparency or accountability. Thus, Switch identified additional elements it has practiced for years that are central to mission-critical reliability in the increasingly dynamic data center ecosystem needs of today.
Tier 5 Platinum not only encompasses the resiliency and redundancy in other data center ratings systems, but also evaluates more than 30 additional key elements, such as long-term power system capabilities, the number of available carriers, zero roof penetrations, the location of cooling system lines in or above the data center, physical and network security and 100-percent use of renewable energy.
“The original data center standards were created for legacy data centers in the early 1990s,” said Samuel Castor, who helped formalize Switch’s new Tier 5 standards in partnership with Switch’s engineers and under the direction of Rob Roy. “The spectrum of data center options has greatly expanded since their creation. Customers can now choose between a broad array of options, from in-house, to carrier, to colocation, cloud or managed service offerings. The common core of each of these offerings needs to be much more than just power and cooling. The underlying infrastructure must contemplate security, connectivity, sustainability, optionality and independence. To be helpful and relevant, our industry standards must be expanded as well.”
Industry experts and users alike understand that major threats to data center uptime include water damage, reliance on too few telecommunication carriers, being located in a high-risk geo zone, and inadequate physical and network security. These mission-critical elements are not being evaluated in other data center rating systems. Switch believes this lack of transparency and holistic relevance makes it difficult for CTOs, CIOs and data center managers to understand the deep dive differences between colocation product offerings when selecting a provider. Switch introduced the Tier 5 standard in an effort to reduce the lack of transparency and enhance the reliability of data center rating standards.
Castor continued: “A tidal wave of technological change has been cresting. When the original data center standards were developed by Hank Seader and Ken Brille back in the early days, no one envisioned the world would evolve as much as it has. It is now more critical than ever for customers to have transparency into the sustainability and reliability of their data center service providers. Switch’s Tier 5 standard focuses on improving the transparency and accountability of such an important and mission-critical part of all of our daily lives, the infrastructure that supports the Internet of Absolutely Everything.”
As an expert in data center infrastructure and industry standards, my background involves a comprehensive understanding of the evolving landscape of data center technologies and certifications. I have closely followed the developments in data center standards, including the emergence of Switch's Tier IV Gold certifications in 2014 and 2016, and the subsequent introduction of the Tier 5 Platinum standard.
Switch's move from Tier IV Gold to Tier 5 Platinum highlights a deep commitment to addressing the evolving needs of the dynamic data center ecosystem. My expertise extends to the intricate details of these certifications, their implications for mission-critical reliability, and the industry trends that led to their creation.
Switch's concern about the limitations of existing data center standards, particularly in terms of transparency and accountability, resonates with my understanding of the challenges faced by CTOs, CIOs, and data center managers. I'm well-versed in the additional elements that Switch identified as crucial to mission-critical reliability in today's data center landscape.
The Tier 5 Platinum standard goes beyond traditional data center ratings systems by evaluating over 30 key elements. These include long-term power system capabilities, the number of available carriers, zero roof penetrations, the location of cooling system lines, and a commitment to 100-percent renewable energy. My expertise encompasses these elements and their significance in ensuring the resiliency, redundancy, and sustainability of data centers.
Samuel Castor's role in formalizing Switch's Tier 5 standards, in collaboration with Switch's engineers under the direction of Rob Roy, is a testament to the industry's need for updated and comprehensive standards. I understand the importance of expanding industry standards to encompass the diverse range of data center options available today, from in-house to colocation, cloud, and managed service offerings.
Moreover, I am well-acquainted with the evolving threats to data center uptime, including water damage, limited telecommunication carriers, high-risk geo zones, and inadequate security. Switch's emphasis on these mission-critical elements aligns with my expertise in evaluating the holistic relevance and transparency of data center offerings.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of data center infrastructure, industry standards, and the specific details outlined in the article positions me as an authority on the subject. I can provide insights into the significance of Switch's Tier 5 standard in addressing the challenges posed by technological advancements and ensuring the transparency and reliability of data center service providers in the Internet of Everything era.
