Data centers: Ensuring security and availability

Physical security in a data centre encompasses all structural, technical and organisational measures designed to protect the IT infrastructure and the data stored within it from physical threats such as burglary, theft, vandalism, fire, water damage, power cuts or natural disasters. These include, amongst other things, access controls, CCTV, fire and burglary protection, and structural safeguards.

The availability of a data centre describes its ability to reliably provide IT services and data at all times. It is ensured by redundant systems, an uninterruptible power supply, contingency plans, regular maintenance and monitoring. The aim is to minimise downtime and ensure continuous operation even in the event of disruptions or emergencies.

Both aspects – physical security and availability – are closely interlinked and form the basis for secure and reliable data centre operations.

TÜV NORD supports data centre operators with assessments and certifications in accordance with recognised standards such as TSI.STANDARD, EN 50600, ISO/IEC 22237 and ANSI/TIA-942.

Once the certificate has expired, recertification is required, during which the data centre is subjected to a comprehensive re-inspection.

Certification in accordance with TSI.STANDARD, EN 50600 or ISO/IEC 22237 gives you, as a tenant, the assurance that the data centre has been designed, built and is operated in accordance with recognised and independent standards. These certificates demonstrate that key requirements relating to physical security, availability, energy efficiency and operational processes are met. They therefore provide you with objective evidence of the quality and reliability of the infrastructure, which significantly reduces the risk of failures, security incidents or service interruptions.

The incorporation of TSI.STANDARD, EN 50600 or ISO/IEC 22237 into tender documents and procurement processes establishes clear, objective and internationally recognised requirements for the design, construction and operation of data centres. This offers you a number of benefits:

• Comparability: The standards enable a transparent and consistent evaluation of bids from different providers, as all are assessed against the same criteria.
• Quality assurance: They ensure that only data centres with proven physical security, high availability and professional operation are considered.
• Risk minimisation: Compliance with the standards enables potential vulnerabilities and risks to be identified and avoided at an early stage.
• Legal certainty and compliance: The standards support compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, which is particularly important for sensitive or critical applications.
• Future-proofing: The standards take into account current and future requirements in terms of technology, operations and sustainability, ensuring your project is secure in the long term.
• Building trust: Certification to recognised standards strengthens the confidence of customers, partners and investors in the quality and security of the data centre.

Overall, these standards facilitate decision-making, increase transparency in the procurement process and contribute significantly to the success and security of your data centre project.

As an investor, independent certification in accordance with TSI.STANDARD, EN 50600 or ISO/IEC 22237 provides you with objective evidence of the quality, safety and future-proofing of your data centre. The certification confirms that the facility has been designed, built and is operated in accordance with internationally recognised standards. This brings you several benefits:

• Increased value and investment security: A certified data centre is better positioned in the market, enjoys greater acceptance among tenants and customers, and can increase its resale value.
• Risk minimisation: Compliance with the standards reduces the risk of outages, security incidents and costly rectification work.
• Transparency and traceability: Certification provides clarity regarding the condition and performance of the facility – including for external assessors, banks and insurance companies.
• Competitive advantage: Certified data centres are more attractive to potential tenants and customers as they meet their requirements for security, availability and compliance.
• Long-term sustainability: The standards take into account current and future requirements regarding technology, operations and sustainability, thereby safeguarding the investment.

Overall, independent certification fosters trust, transparency and sustainable value growth for your data centre – and is therefore a key component in the financial success of your investment.

TÜV NORD supports data centres throughout their entire life cycle. The range of services extends from site and planning assessments, through construction supervision and integration testing, to certification and optimisation during ongoing operations.

With a TSI.PROFESSIONAL training course, you will gain in-depth and practical knowledge of the requirements and standards for TSI certification for data centres. You’ll benefit from experienced trainers, up-to-date content and practical case studies that will prepare you perfectly for the challenges of the data centre environment. Furthermore, the training courses offer ample opportunity to exchange ideas and network with other participants from the industry, enabling you to forge valuable contacts and benefit from your colleagues’ experiences.