Criticality Level

Definition - What does Criticality Level mean?

Criticality level is directly proportional to certain factors and criteria, including required total cost of ownership (TCO), overall operations and enterprise and system downtime and behavior. Numbered systems may be developed for criticality level rating.

Techopedia explains Criticality Level

The four criticality levels are as follows:

  • Level 1: Indicates tolerability of certain inadequate system functions and tools and may be associated with a loosely designed IT infrastructure, contributing to system failure. For example, there is little backup time when a generator is not included in an initial system design.
  • Level 2: Indicates heightened criticality, such as heavy reliance on IT, phone systems, multiple servers, email and other integrated systems. Scheduled downtime is acceptable. This system type requires a generator backup and redundant power in the event of failover.
  • Level 3: Supports global business functions and has a sustained IT-centric system with redundant power supply in the event of failover.
  • Level 4: Used by large corporations that rely on IT for all business and system functions. This system design is highly complex and must have established redundancy systems.

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