Most businesses understand the value of reliable computer systems. But fewer business owners and stakeholders understand how to get the most for their computer system reliabilty dollar.

One of the easiest ways to improve reliability is to use outsourced, hardened data centers. It’s a quick way to achieve 99.995% data center uptime. This level, also knows and “four and one half nines,” equals 27 minutes of downtime per year or less. That is the same level expected of an Uptime Institute certified tier IV data center facility.

Hardened data center facilities offer physical protection from the natural risks common to the region. With Midwest data centers and Midwest colocation, the highest risks involve tornadoes. Hardened data center facilities with reinforced concrete walls and ceilings can physically protect your organization’s most important computers.

Hardened facilities with N+N data center power redundancy protect your systems from power outages. Redundancy means that the outsource data center maintains two of every piece of equipment needed to avoid downtime. But don’t be fooled; not all redundancy is created equal. Ask your data center provider to diagram their power and cooling redundancy. You’ll be surprised at the single points of failure.

Hardened data center facilities with power redundancy and multiple telecommunications carriers allow organizations to build more reliable data networks. More carriers can equal less risk of circuit downtime.

Your organization’s cost of downtime helps you determine the value of outsourced, hardened data center facilities. If more than 26 minutes of downtime per year costs your organization revenue, credibility, or clients, call Lifeline Data Centers at 317.423.2591.