What is the TIER classification?

When presenting AC☁DC, we always highlight that it is a TIER III data center, which is an indicator of the quality and reliability of our services. But what exactly does this mean for our clients, and what are the objective criteria for this classification? We explain in the following lines.

What Does the TIER Class Tell Us About a Data Center?

The TIER classification is a quick and easy way to determine key details and indicators related to the equipment and infrastructure of a data center. The standard was introduced by the Uptime Institute and provides an assessment of several factors, among which the most significant are:

• Reliability of power supply and cooling configuration
• Ability to maintain operations without downtime
• System security and resilience in case of emergencies

Specific criteria have also been formulated that a data center must meet for each class:

TIER I

This is the lowest class according to the standard, indicating that a data center operates without backup power. Service interruption of up to 28.8 hours annually is allowed, making it an unsuitable choice for organizations highly sensitive to risk regarding their infrastructure and uptime.

TIER II

Data centers in this class have partial redundancy of components but are still characterized by a significant risk of interruption in case of failure. The allowable downtime is up to 22 hours per year.

TIER III

Data centers of this class are the optimal solution for most businesses and organizations, as they ensure uninterrupted operation during maintenance, as well as redundancy of components. The TIER III standard allows for only up to 1.6 hours of annual downtime, or 99.982% guaranteed service availability!

TIER IV

This is the highest class according to the standard, which provides complete fault tolerance, fully independent systems, and resilience to planned and unplanned outages as close to 100% as possible. Usually, this level is mandatory for organizations with critical operations, such as government agencies, large corporations, and others, even though the TIER III standard is fully sufficient to secure their operations.

Security and Sustainable Approach for AC☁DC Clients

In addition to meeting the requirements of the TIER III standard and relying on two independent power supplies, a backup UPS system, and a fault-tolerant cooling configuration, AbsCloud Data Center stands out with its concept of utilizing the heat generated by the servers. The “green” approach allows this heat to be stored in special containers for subsequent use in heating one of the largest residential areas in Varna.

The infrastructure, equipment, and flexibility of our services allow us to be a partner for both small and large local businesses, as well as a suitable location for Disaster Recovery for companies with equipment located in data centers in Western Bulgaria.

If you want to learn more about how we take care of our clients’ equipment and ensure the resources for our data center, contact our team or schedule a visit to AC☁DC in Varna.

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