"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 In the March 2014 edition the term ‘Tier’ has been replaced by either ‘Rated’ or ‘Rating’.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.

Critical Infrastructure and Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance

The Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance (BEEO) has come into full operation in Hong Kong since 21 September 2012. There are 3 key requirements of the Ordinance:-

(1) The developers or building owners of newly constructed buildings should ensure that the 4 key types of building services installation therein, namely, air-conditioning installation, lighting installation, electrical installation as well as lift and escalator installation, comply with the design standards of the Building Energy Code (BEC). 

(2) The responsible persons (i.e. owners, tenants or occupiers etc.) in buildings should ensure that the 4 key types of building services installation therein comply with the design standards of the BEC when “ major retrofitting works ” are carried out. 

(3) The owners of commercial buildings (including the commercial portions of composite buildings, e.g. shopping malls under residential storeys) should carry out energy audit for the 4 key types of central building services installation therein in accordance with the Energy Audit Code (EAC) every 10 years.

Mission-critical facilities and data centers are complex that are different from general buildings and require special design and operation knowledge and skill.


Developed by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the 3-day Data Center Energy Practitioner (DCEP) credential program helps engineers to evaluate the energy status and efficiency opportunities in the critical facilities. It also works with engineers to comply with the energy efficiency ordinance anywhere.

Successful candidates who complete the program in 3 days and pass the exams will gain Data Center Practitioner (DCEP) status. Their names and contact information will be available on the official website (http://datacenters.lbl.gov/dcep) as well as the certificates.

Level 1 Practitioners ("Generalist") - Day 1

To have a good understanding of 3 data center disciplines (HVAC - Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning, Electrical and IT-equipment) and provide broad recommendations based on the high-level DC Pro (Data Center Profiler) Tools and techniques

- Generalist Training Introduction
- Data Center Profiler (DC Pro) Overview
- IT Equipment
- Air Management
- Cooling Systems
- Electrical Systems
- Assessment Process Manual
- Data Center Profiler (DC Pro) Case Study
- End of Generalist Training / Exam (2-hour, open-book exam)


Level 2 Practitioners ("HVAC-Specialist") - Day 2 & 3

To address HVAC energy opportunities using in-depth Air Management Assessment Tool

- HVAC Specialist Training Introduction
- Air Handlers and Air Conditioners
- Liquid Cooling
- Chilled Water Plants
- Cooling System Controls
- Assessment Process
- Modeling Data Center HVAC Systems
- Environmental Requirements
- Airflow and Temperature Management
- DOE Air Management Tool
- End of HVAC Specialist Training / Exam (3-hour, open-book exam)


Program Speaker

Dr. Bob Sullivan, a Worldwide Eminent Educator and a Data Center Infrastructure Specialist, is the concept creator of Hot Aisle-Cold Aisle. He is the winner of Data Center Dynamics 2016 - Outstanding Contribution to the Data Center Industry Award. TechTarget named Dr. Bob is one of "five people who changed the data center" in August 13, 2010.


Program Details

Date: 16 - 18 May 2018 (Wednesday - Friday)
Time: 09:00 - 18:00
Venue: 19/F, New Victory House (OfficePlus), 103 - 93 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

Course materials, examinations and applications fees are all included.
For local registration details, please visit www.stmedia-asia.com/data-center-energy-practitioner-dcep.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 Data Center Design Consideration, 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, and 

(12) Electrical Rooms

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

Data Center Site Tour in June 2017

The team sincerely thank you for all visitors and the coordination granted by the professional data center management team in Chai Wan, Hong Kong!

The half-day visit on 2 June 2017 enables our visitors to gain an insight about the mission-critical infrastructure system (UPS system, NOC, CRAC units, etc.) supporting the data center cloud and IT services.

We look forward to cooperating with the data center and organizing the similar event in the near future!








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 provide an interactive environment and opportunities for members of data center industry and facilities' engineers to exchange professional views and experience on the mission-critical facilities and IT infrastructure system.

SMA connects IT, Facilities and Design. For accreditation details and background, please visit www.stmedia-asia.com/about.html.

Get Ready to Become a Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD)

We are pleased to announced the RCDD Credential Program (DD102: Designing Telecommunications Distribution Systems) for Structured Cabling System Design was fully completed last week during 18 - 22 April 2016. The team sincerely thank you for all participants and the coordination granted by the overseas training partner and the US BICSI, which enables us to successfully launch the credential program first time in Hong Kong / South China.

 

We look forward to the participants achieving the RCDD qualification and getting certified soon.

For the details of RCDD credential program, please visit www.stmedia-asia.com/rcdd.html.

  

About the Organizer


Strategic Media Asia Ltd (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 www.stmedia-asia.com/trainings.html.

Facilitation Measures for Data Center Development Extended in Hong Kong

The Hong Kong Government announced that the Chief Executive in Council (CE in Council) has approved the extension of the existing concessionary scheme to encourage the development of data centers by conversion of old existing industrial buildings and lease modification of industrial lots.

"The Government is committed to promoting the development of data centers in Hong Kong to meet industry demand, which is expected to rise further in the next few years due to the increasing use of cloud computing and other new initiatives such as smart city development and big data applications," a spokesman for the Innovation and Technology Bureau said.


"Given the competing demands for new government sites, conversion of old industrial buildings would be a viable option for data center operators. With recent technology advancements in modular data centers, more industrial buildings can become suitable for such use."



The existing time-limited concessionary scheme for data centers was introduced in 2012. With the CE in Council's approval, the following measures will continue after March 31, 2016 in Hong Kong:


(1) to exempt the waiver fees for issuing waivers for applications approved by the Lands Department (LandsD) for change of use in parts of industrial buildings aged 15 years or above in "Industrial", or "Other Specified Uses" annotated "Business" or "Commercial", zones to data centers of all tiers for the lifetime of the existing building or until expiry or determination of the current lease of the lot concerned, whichever is the earlier;


(2) to accept applications for lease modification (including land exchange) tailor-made for development of high-tier data centers wholly or in conjunction with other uses on existing industrial lots, instead of requiring a lease modification up to the optimal uses and maximum development intensity that could possibly be allowed for the site; and


(3) to continue the arrangement that Conditions of Sale for new sites identified for data center development be tailor-made for high-tier data center use with specified gross floor area, including the two remaining dedicated sites in Tseung Kwan O.

The concessionary scheme has attracted a positive market response, with a total of 27 applications received up to March 29, 2016, for converting parts of existing industrial buildings to data center use under the first measure above.


In addition, the LandsD together with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) will streamline the procedures for issuing waivers for change of use of industrial buildings under the first measure mentioned above, aiming to approve new applications within a much shortened time frame of around two weeks. For details, please visit websites of the LandsD (www.landsd.gov.hk) and the OGCIO (www.datacentre.gov.hk).


In 2012, the Government reserved 3 dedicated sites in Tseung Kwan O for high-tier data center development, of which one was sold in October 2013. It is expected that the Government will put to sale the other two sites within the coming few years.


Source: www.info.gov.hk



About the Blogger


Strategic Media Asia Ltd (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.

Gain Qualification for Structured Cabling System Design - Become a Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD)

Gain Qualification for Structured Cabling System Design in Hong Kong -
Become a Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD)


Established and approved by the US Building Industry Consulting Services International (BICSI) since 1984, the RCDD credential program is a 5-day professional training (DD102: Designing Telecommunications Distribution System) which details about telecommunications spaces and horizontal and backbone distribution systems design:


- Codes, Standards and Regulations
- Principles of Transmission
- Electromagnetic Compatibility
- Telecommunications Spaces
- Work Areas
- Horizontal Distribution Systems
- Backbone Distribution Systems
- Bonding and Grounding (Earthing)
- Firestopping
- Telecommunications Administration
- Design and Construction
- Project Management
- Networking Fundamentals
- VoIP and Wireless
- Outside Plant (OSP)
- Campus Cabling


  


Key Content


DESIGN BASICS - Recommended design sequence, cabling infrastructure layout, terms & definitions, overview of standards & codes.


DESIGNING TELECOMMUNICATIONS ROOMS - Determining type number & size according to usable floor space, specifying power, lighting & floor loadings.


DESIGNING HORIZONTAL DISTRIBUTION SYSTEMS - Pathway sizing & routing considerations. Design rules for under-floor duct, cellular floors, conduit, & access floors. Use of ceiling distribution including ceiling zones method. Application exercises; design of under-floor conduit system & comparison with overhead plenum rated method. Specifying copper & fibre optic cabling complete with documentation methods. Examples of cable management during installation & cross connection. Installation sequence for zoned systems.


DESIGNING BACKBONE SYSTEMS - Backbone design & planning, media selection options (copper versus fibre), colour codes, backbone pathways & spaces, sleeves, slots & conduits, planning & designing cable pull boxes, fire stopping, campus backbone design.


DESIGNING EQUIPMENT ROOMS - Electrical power requirements & distribution, environmental, space & structural requirements, electrical ground & bonding. Application exercise: equipment room sizing & location.


DESIGNING ENTRANCE ROOMS - Calculating total space requirements, types of terminations & hardware, electrical protection, network demarcation. Application exercise: entrance facility case study.

      

RCDDs demonstrate knowledge in design, integration and implementation of information & communications technology (ICT) and related infrastructure components. All sections will be conducted by an instructor who are RCDD certified and have more than 15 years experience in lecturing plus cabling system design.

You are cordially invited to achieve the qualification with more than 5 years ICT / critical infrastructure design experience; OR at least 2 years of verifiable ICT design experience plus 3 years of additional ICT equivalents chosen from combinations of experience, approved education and approved ICT license/certification by BICSI.

Date: 18 - 22 April 2016 (5-day, Monday - Friday)
Venue: 19/F, 93 - 103 Wing Lok Street, Hong Kong (Exit A2, Sheung Wan MTR Station)

5 Days Program Fee: Special rate for early bird enrolment, please refer to www.stmedia-asia.com/rcdd.html. (Including course materials and a digital copy of Telecommunications Distribution Methods Manual (TDMM), 13th edition)



Completion Certificate


After 5-day training (DD102: Designing Telecommunications Distribution System) and passing the online test* in the last day of training, a completion certificate will be granted by the BICSI Authorized Design Training Provider.

* A personal laptop is recommended for the online test.



Achieving RCDD Qualification *


BICSI recommends 125+ hours of self-study (over a period of 5-weeks) following the formal 5-day training (DD102). Examination Format: 2.5 hours, 100 questions, closed-book, multiple choice (knowledge- and application-based questions, minimum 70% correct to pass). The exam (apply through BICSI) can be scheduled at www.pearsonvue.com/BICSI (with an assigned candidate number and scheduling information).

* BICSI Membership, Exam Application and Scheduling Fees are not included in the 5-day program mentioned above.



Enrollment & Registration


Please complete and return an Application Form together with a crossed cheque made payable to “Strategic Media Asia Limited” - Room 403, 4th Floor, Dominion Centre, 43 - 59 Queen's Road East, Hong Kong.

For the RCDD program details, please visit www.stmedia-asia.com/rcdd.html.



About the Organizer


Strategic Media Asia Ltd (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.

Finance & Investment Forum for Data Center, Hosting, Cloud - Hong Kong

Take the temperature of Asia’s fast growing Data Center, Hosting, Colocation and Cloud businesses
Discover key investors, network and collaborate at the premier Asia forum for the sector


Finance & Investment Forum for Data Center, Hosting, Cloud
Hong Kong, 12 November 2015

Asia’s premier forum for the leadership of data center, hosting and cloud businesses and investors returns for the third year to Hong Kong. It continues to offer a unique platform for expert opinion and provides global market developments and forecasts. You are invited to join the annual marketplace for the leadership of publicly quoted and private data center, hosting and cloud businesses to network and engage with investors.


Register before 12 November 2015


With the Asia region now reaching an exciting stage in the development of data centers, opportunities for investment in this fast growing sector are increasing. The Finance and Investment Forum Asia hosted once again in Hong Kong is attended by experts from private equity firms, investors, funds, publicly quoted and private companies engaged in the data center, hosting and cloud sector, property specialists and legal counsel.


Why attend?

Outstanding speakers from around Asia will share their knowledge about the future of data center, cloud and hosting. Check out the agenda here.

• exceptional networking, a hallmark of the FIF events will be at its best with the leadership of operator businesses, investors and financiers from across the region attending

• Considered to be the “best place to take the temperature of the industry,” FIF offers several critical advantages to all attendees including

• exposure to key investors (providing often difficult or rare opportunities for many companies across the sector) - 30% of attendees are typically investors
• exposure to key influencers (such as the key players to support fund raising or an IPO)
• high level analysis of the market for datacentre and cloud assets, company valuations and investor experience

Key Speakers include:

Claude Achcar, Managing Director, Actel Consulting
Nicholas Chan, Partner, Squire Sanders
Herbert Chan, General Manager, Grand Ming Group
Reynaldo R Huergas, President, IP Converge Data Services Inc
Robin Khuda, Founder, AirTrunk
Teddy Ko, AVP, HKT
Asher Ling, Chief Operating Officer, Kingsland Development
Hon Charles Mok, Legislative Councillor Information Technology, Hong Kong SAR
Daniel Newman, CFO, GDS
Kok-Chye Ong, Head of Investments, Data Centre, Keppel Telecommunications & Transportation
Ng Wan Peng, Chief Operating Officer, MDeC
Everett Thompson, CEO, WiredRE
Steve Wallage, Managing Director, BroadGroup Consulting
Thomas Wong, Executive Director, OneAsiaNetwork



Some of the key questions international experts will discuss in this year’s programme include:

•  What is the forecast for Asia data center, hosting and cloud markets?
•  Is a greater regional/international market presence a necessary part of data center ownership strategies?
•  What will be the biggest change in demand drivers in 2015-2016?
•  What is the current and emerging Private Equity specialist view of data center investments?
•  Where is hot to invest? What emerging markets are ripe for growth?
•  What role will M&A play in the next phase of growth?
•  Who will be the winners and losers?



Visit the programme at www.fif-asia.com/programme


The conference day begins with an investor breakfast with a series of short pitches made by companies currently seeking investment for a variety of projects in the sector. Always aiming to deliver exceptional insight and high networking values, the Forum, first established in 2007 is now regarded as the premier networking and content platform internationally.


Register before 12 November 2015


Strategic Media Asia Limited is one of the media partners for the FIF Asia - Hong Kong. You are cordially invited to join the event in November 12, 2015. For details, please visit www.fif-asia.com.

(Reminder) IXTech Solutions Day 2014

IXTech Solutions Day 2014 - The Demands of Ecosystem in the Dynamic World

You are cordially invited to attend this event in Hong Kong. Online registration is available at http://goo.gl/vva4Ao


Date: November 19, 2014 (Wednesday)
Time: 09:30 to 17:00
Venue: Conference Hall, HKPC Building, 78 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong


For details, please visit http://green-data.blogspot.hk/2014/09/ixtech-solutions-day.html

Invitation to IDC Safari Hong Kong 2014

IDC Safari Hong Kong 2014

Date : 10 June 2014 (Tuesday)
Time : 9:00 a.m – 5:00 p.m
Venue : Regal Hong Kong Hotel
Address : 88 Yee Wo Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

IDC Safari is a One-day IDC / Data Center Event organized by HKCOLO. Individuals, Companies, Institutions, Corporations, and Government Bodies which require IDC or related services will be invited to participate in the event. It targets to facilitate and provide an interactive business environment for all related and end-users to understand each others’ business requirements, exchange views, and to realize business opportunities and rooms for cooperation.

For registration details, please visit

http://events.hkcolo.net/event/16/online_main.php?eventid=16&loadpage=CompanyProfile 

OR

http://www.stmedia-asia.com/conferences.html

Certified Data Center Design Professional (CDCDP)

You are cordially invited to join the credential program organised by CNet Training, UK

CDCDP, Certified Data Center Design Professional, combines with 3-day Core Unit and 4-day Advanced Unit delivered by experienced instructors from CNet Training. It targets to electrical & mechanical engineers, facilities / data center managers, data center operators, system analyst, IT management, etc. who are responsible for critical infrastructure and facilities.


The 3-day Core Unit of CDCDP covers key theories for data center design and international standards, whereas the 4-day Advanced Unit of CDCDP combines with four modules - Data Center Efficiency, Cooling, Design Management and Power - more focused on the best way to implement the design processes.


Completion of the two units and examinations will receive a Level 5 accreditation (Certified Data Center Management Design Professional, CDCMDP) granted by (BTEC) Edexcel, a Pearson group. All units are conducted in English by instructors from CNet Training, UK.


Kindly visit the local site of CDCDP at www.stmedia-asia.com/cdcdp or download a detailed program brochure HERE. You can also visit the official site at CNet Training (www.cnet-training.com/regions/asia-pacific).






About The Blogger

Strategic Media Asia (SMA, www.stmedia-asia.com) is a leading technical training and event organizer for corporations specialized in data center design & build, E&M facilities, telecom, ICT, finance and co-location services. Based in Hong Kong, SMA currently delivers a series of data center training courses and credential programs in South China regions.

SMA is an authorized regional agent of CNet Training in Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan and South China.

For detail, please visit our data center courses & training seminars at http://www.stmedia-asia.com/trainings.html.