The 451 Group, a leading independent IT research and analyst organization, acquired The Uptime Institute. Uptime is best known as the developer of the Tier Classification System, widely accepted as the de facto industry standard for providing a consistent means to compare typically unique, customized data center facilities from the perspective of expected site infrastructure availability, or uptime.

The Uptime Institute was founded almost two decades ago by Kenneth G. Brill, often hailed as one of the “fathers of the data center industry.” Brill will step back from management and operational leadership of the Institute but will continue to provide strategic guidance and function as a global spokesman on behalf of the organization.

W. Pitt Turner, IV, who currently leads the Uptime Institute Professional Services business-previously known as ComputerSite Engineering-has been appointed executive director, Uptime Institute. He will report to Martin V. McCarthy, CEO of The 451 Group. McCarthy will now also serve as Chairman, Uptime Institute.