In an attempt to provide greater clarification over its Tier classification and to discourage self-proclaimed' or self-certified' Tier claims, the Uptime Institute has revised its Tier Classification and Performance Standard.
Whilst largely focusing on design topology, the update places greater significance on the role of operational sustainability (including fitness for purpose, ease of use and human factors), in the site availability actually achieved.
By highlighting the role of operational sustainability, the Institute aims to better direct decision makers with their investment plans, help minimize costs, and improve recovery from incidents/failures to allow for greater efficiencies in datacenter operations.
To enhance a better understanding of the classifications, the paper also includes a summary of the performance-based outcome requirements of a four-Tier system and provides discussion and illustrations of each classification.