LinkedIn Data Center Receives Uptime Institute's Efficient IT Stamp of Approval
The data centers for the more popular social media sites are remarkable in scope, taking up a lot of real estate and consuming massive amounts of energy. Considering the services they provide, these facilities have to have the highest rating in terms of availability, reliability and security at all times. But data center operators and owners are making a concerted effort to make the centers efficient across every measurable metrics. In receiving the Efficient IT (EIT) Stamp of Approval for its data center in Infomart Portland by Uptime Institute, LinkedIn can say it is a leader in sustainable IT regarding how it allocates and consumes resources.
The Uptime Institute created and administers the Efficient IT Stamp of Approval as well as the tier standards and certifications for data center design, construction and operational sustainability along with its management and operations reviews, FORCSS methodology. It is an unbiased advisory organization looking to improve the performance, efficiency, and reliability of business critical infrastructure. This is achieved through innovation, collaboration and independent certifications.
The Efficient IT Assessment recognizes the commitment to IT efficiency by organizations. In order to award the Efficient IT Stamp of Approval, performance criteria across key components are measured, which include leadership, IT infrastructure and data center. Based on this assessment a score is generated. According to the organization, "The Assessment is score-based and focused on outcomes that may be satisfied in a number of ways—rather than functioning as prescriptive requirements."

This new facility will be LinkedIn's premier data center and it has become the first enterprise colocation partnership to receive the Efficient IT Stamp of Approval. According to the company, it will be used for innovative design, diligent operations, and good stewardship of corporate and environmental resources.
"Our newest data center is a big step forward, allowing us to adopt a hyperscale architecture while being even more efficient about how we consume resources. Uptime Institute's Efficient IT Stamp of Approval is a strong confirmation that our management functions of IT, data center engineering, finance, and sustainability are aligned. We look forward to improving how we source energy and ultimately reaching our goal of 100 percent renewable energy," said Sonu Nayyar, VP of Production Operations & IT for LinkedIn.
Being recognized for having upright enterprise leadership and using technology for good stewardship of corporate and environmental resources has positive outcomes all around. It not only attracts likeminded businesses, but consumers that seek out these qualities are also responsible for improving the bottom line. As a social networking site that brings businesses and people together, this will give LinkedIn an added reason to choose it over its competitors.
Edited by Maurice Nagle