a) describes the general principles for data centres upon which the requirements of the ISO/IEC 22237 series are based;

b) defines the common aspects of data centres including terminology, parameters and reference models (functional elements and their accommodation) addressing both the size and complexity of their intended purpose;

c) describes general aspects of the facilities and infrastructures required to support data centres;

d) specifies a classification system, based upon the key criteria of “availability”, “security” and “energy-efficiency” over the planned lifetime of the data centre, for the provision of effective facilities and infrastructure;

e) details the issues to be addressed in a business risk and operating cost analysis enabling application of the classification of the data centre;

f) provides a reference to the operation and management of data centres.

1) the selection of information technology and network telecommunications equipment, software and associated configuration issues are outside the scope of this International Standard;

2) quantitative analysis of overall service availability resulting from multi-site data centres;

3) safety and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements (covered by other standards and regulations. However, information given in this document can be of assistance in meeting these standards and regulations).