A unified system for assessing the reliability of data centers has appeared in Russia. Now data processing centers will be divided into four classes. They will show how well the facility is protected from failures, how reliably its engineering systems operate, and what security requirements are met for the building itself.

How data centers are divided by reliability level

The new classification of data centers came into effect in mid-August in accordance with the procedure for forming and maintaining the register of data processing centers, approved by the decree of the Russian government.

The Russian system includes four classes – A, B, C, and D. They differ in the architecture of facilities, the level of redundancy of engineering systems, requirements for physical protection, the building, fire safety, and the organization of communication lines.

The highest level is class A. Such a data center must ensure continuous operation of information systems even in the event of a single failure of any component.

In terms of reliability, class A roughly corresponds to the international Tier IV category, but the Russian system additionally takes into account requirements for the physical security of facilities.

It will be easier for companies to choose sites for data storage

The Ministry of Digital Development explained that the new classification should make the data center market more understandable for businesses.

Unified rules will allow companies to confirm the reliability of their infrastructure to customers and partners, and clients to compare different data centers and choose the appropriate option for their tasks.