“Tenants in the Willis Tower expect world-class service and amenities, and we go out of our way to exceed those expectations in all areas, including Internet connectivity,” says Gary Michon, general manager at Willis Tower. “The Chicago commercial real estate market is extraordinarily competitive. Along with our status as one of the nation's iconic buildings, being one of only four Platinum Wired Certified properties in the city is a key reason our tenants choose Willis Tower.”

CHICAGO—The Willis Tower has just joined an elite group of skyline properties around the country by earning Platinum Wired Certification, the highest rating of the international standard developed by New York-based WiredScore that distinguishes best-in-class Internet connectivity. Other recipients of platinum status include the Empire State Building in New York, Columbia Center in Seattle, One Market Plaza in San Francisco and Southeast Financial Center in Miami.

The introduction of cloud computing has given technology an increased importance in the modern office sector, and landlords that have made big technology investments have searched for a way to market their upgraded properties. Wired Certification has provided one avenue, and the use of it recently spread to Chicago. Willis Tower is the fourth Chicago building to win platinum, along with 150 N. Riverside, 111 N. Canal St., and the Chicago Board of Trade Building. Nine others have received gold certification.

“Connectivity is one of the top considerations for companies when they are looking for new office space,” says Arie Barendrecht, chief executive officer and co-founder of WiredScore. “Cutting-edge tech infrastructure is key to the success of businesses in every industry, so it's fitting that Chicago's marquee building has made the investment to provide best-in-class connectivity to the world's leading businesses.”

Willis Tower is Chicago's most recognizable building and the second-tallest in North America, rising 110 stories and encompassing 3.8 million rentable square feet. With 13 Internet service providers and public Wi-Fi, tenants such as United Airlines and the Willis Group have easily accessible and robust Internet connectivity at speeds that enable them to compete globally.

“Tenants in the Willis Tower expect world-class service and amenities, and we go out of our way to exceed those expectations in all areas, including Internet connectivity,” says Gary Michon, general manager at Willis Tower. “The Chicago commercial real estate market is extraordinarily competitive. Along with our status as one of the nation's iconic buildings, being one of only four Platinum Wired Certified properties in the city is a key reason our tenants choose Willis Tower.”