From Data Center to service: extending the Tier Model

Abstract

The guidelines for the design and implementation of Data Centers are extensively documented, providing a high level of detail in every aspect to consider for infrastructure deployment. However, this is not the case regarding the design of redundancy for IT services. Therefore, this article proposes an adaptation of the Uptime Institute’s Tier model for IT services, supported by best design practices. As case studies, ETECSA’s Web Hosting platforms were employed as examples of optimization, high availability, and security. In any IT service, resource optimization and digital security represent two essential pillars in the pursuit of achieving 100 % availability. This article may be of interest to those seeking guidance in the design of resilient and secure IT services.