What determines the minimum level of service accepted for an infrastructure service?

The determination of the minimum level of service accepted for an infrastructure service is closely tied to the value assigned to that service. This value reflects the importance and necessity of the service to the users, stakeholders, and the overall operational effectiveness. When a service is perceived as highly valuable, it is typically expected to maintain a higher level of reliability, quality, and performance.

For instance, critical services that support national defense, public safety, or essential utilities often require stringent service levels because their failure can lead to significant negative consequences. On the other hand, services that are seen as less critical might have more lenient service expectations.

While capital investment level, annual maintenance budget, and the number of users accessing the service can influence the performance and sustainability of the service, they do not directly set the standard for the minimum acceptable level. Instead, the value assigned to the service ultimately drives decisions regarding the required standards and controls that must be maintained to ensure the infrastructure meets the needs and expectations of those who rely on it.