"Tier 3+" or "Tier 4-Ready" Data Centers?

This is usually found in some data center specifications: "Tier III+" or "Tier IV-Ready" *

Let's clarify: There is no such thing as "Tier III+" or "Tier IV-Ready" for large data centers. They are not granted by any organizations in data center / critical facilities like Uptime Institute or Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) - ANSI/TIA-942 **.


* The latest TIER IV-Ready Certification by the Uptime Institute is designed for modular data centers which enjoy the same level of reliability and resiliency that they have in their larger data centers.

** The term ‘Tier’ was used in the ANSI/TIA-942 Standard until the ANSI/TIA-942: March-2014 edition. In the March 2014 edition the term ‘Tier’ has been replaced by either ‘Rated’ or ‘Rating’.


Recap (1) More about Data Center Tier Levels; and
(2) Data Center Tier Levels and Uptime


The Uptime Institute issues Tier Certificates (Constructed Facility and Design Documents) for data center infrastructure. When a data center is accredited as Tier III Constructed Facility, the infrastructure, at the time of the site visit and demonstrations, should be "Concurrently Maintainable" and N+1 (N means Utility Power) with 1 active + 1 alternate distribution paths (electrical power backbone) and 2 simultaneously active critical power distribution.

One of the major different between Tier III and Tier IV infrastructure is the requirement of Distribution Paths - Electrical Power Backbone. Tier IV facilities require 2N / 2N+1 which means 2 electrical power backbone should be simultaneously active. It is nearly double the infrastructure of Tier III.

Although the Uptime Institute Tier Standard or the TIA-942 Standard does not require dual feeds from different power companies to achieve Tier IV standard, is it worth to build a Tier IV data center in Hong Kong?

The situation is different. Electricity supply in Hong Kong is highly reliable, exceeding 99.999%. The two power companies, CLP and HK Electric have adequate capacity and backup in electricity generation and in the transmission and distribution networks, which assured robustness and reliability of supply. A number of high-tier data centers are being serves by two utility feeds from different substations of the same power company.

  

A Tier IV infrastructure is nearly double of the Tier III. Thus most of the large data centers in Hong Kong are usually Tier III but leave rooms / spaces for adding facilities and expansion if required in the future (ready / upgradable to Tier IV standard).


About us

SMA connects IT, Facilities and Design. For the other design considerations, please visit 

(1) Site Selection,
(2) Space Planning,
(3) Cooling,
(4) Redundancy,
(5) Fire Suppression,
(6) Meet Me Rooms,
(7) UPS Selection,
(8) Raised Floor,
(9) Code & Standards,
(10) Transformers and Harmonic Distortion,
(11) Multi-mode UPS Systems,
(12) Electrical Rooms,
(13) Generator Systems,
(14) Generator Fuel Systems, etc.

All topics focus on key components and provide technical advice and recommendations for designing a data center and critical facilities.

Strategic Media Asia (SMA) is one of the approved CPD course providers of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) UK. The team exists to provide an interactive environment and opportunities for members of ICT industry and facilities' engineers to exchange professional views and experience.

Become a Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) for the Design, Implementation, Integration and Project Management of Cabling Infrastructure

Cabling infrastructure design is complex. That’s why it is essential that you have someone on your team who understands all aspects of this highly technical area.


A Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD) is an individual who has demonstrated knowledge in the design, integration and implementation of telecommunications and data communications technology systems and related infrastructure. These individuals are uniquely positioned to create the detailed design of a new system and/or integrate design into an existing structure. The RCDD is one of the highest design credentials in the information technology systems (ITS) industry, recognized worldwide.


Why is an RCDD critical in the building design process?

An RCDD has been taught the importance of achieving an efficient, cost-effective, future-ready system, no matter what the stage of the project:-


Initial Planning Stage: An RCDD has learned how to create a smart design, evaluating the proper amount of space needed today and for years to come. By minimizing costly change orders, an RCDD can save you valuable time and money.

Mid-project: RCDDs who manage the infrastructure instal-lation can guide the design so that it is followed correctly and make any necessary modifications as needed.

Project Completion: An RCDD adds credibility to a project by signing off when the project is complete.


RCDDs are required to demonstrate proficiency across a wide range of areas within structured cabling systems, including network, outside plant, wireless and electronic safety and security design, data centers and building auto-mation systems (BAS). This expanded knowledge enables the RCDD to advise the owner/end user of the appropriate IT, AV and security requirements. The RCDD has learned to perform the design tasks related to these systems, including construction drawings and specifications.

Current standards and best practices' requirements, including standards established and/or contributed to by: BICSI, Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), American National Standards Institute (ANSI), National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA), American Institute of Architects (AIA) and Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), are fully taken into account by the RCDD.

Include an RCDD on Your Project Design Team

An RCDD’s ability to assess a building owner’s telecommunications needs, and to design and implement a plan that allows for imminent growth, can allow your team to design a highly efficient technology system with minimal costs for later upgrades.



CORE TRAINING FOR RCDD IN HONG KONG
DD102: Designing Telecommunications Distribution System


Date: 3 to 7 December 2018 (5-day, Monday to Friday)
Time: 9:30 - 18:00 (around 1 hour lunch break)
Venue: 19/F, Office Plus, 93 - 103 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong


Exclusive for the training in Hong Kong:- 

Our 5-day training already includes all training materials and a digital copy of Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM), 13th edition, with more than 1900 pages.


Complete and return the BOOKING FORM online for seat reservation. For the RCDD program details in Hong Kong, please visit www.stmedia-asia.com/rcdd.html.



About us

Strategic Media Asia (SMA) is one of the approved CPD course providers of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) UK. The team exists to provide an interactive environment and opportunities for members of ICT industry and facilities' engineers to exchange professional views and experience.

SMA connects IT, Facilities and Design. For the other design considerations, please visit 

(1) Site Selection,
(2) Space Planning,
(3) Cooling,
(4) Redundancy,
(5) Fire Suppression,
(6) Meet Me Rooms,
(7) UPS Selection,
(8) Raised Floor,
(9) Code & Standards,
(10) Transformers and Harmonic Distortion,
(11) Multi-mode UPS Systems,
(12) Electrical Rooms,
(13) Generator Systems,
(14) Generator Fuel Systems, etc.


All topics focus on key components and provide technical advice and recommendations for designing a data center and critical facilities.

Become a Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Maintenance and Reliability Best Practices: Become Certified MRP
(9 - 11 June 2015), Kuala Lumpur Malaysia


Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP) is an ANSI-accredited program and is the number 1 credentialing program for the knowledge, skills and abilities of M&R professionals. Assessing more than just textbook knowledge, the exam tests and validates the skills and abilities of maintenance and reliability professionals. Earning this qualifications means earning a coveted credential recognized across all industries in the manufacturing world validated by the Society for Maintenance and Reliability Professionals.

You are invited to join the program in June 2015:

Title: Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)
Location: The Royale Chulan Hotel, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Date: 9 - 11 June, 2015


For program details and registration, please visit
http://energy.fleminggulf.com/maintenance-reliability-best-practices

The Blogger

Strategic Media Asia Limited (SMA) is one of the Approved CPD Course Providers of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE). SMA exists to provide an interactive environment and opportunities for members of IDC industry and engineers to exchange professional views and experience on data center design, critical infrastructure system, electrical and mechanical facilities, etc.

SMA connects IT, Facilities and Design. For details, please visit our website at http://www.stmedia-asia.com/trainings.html.