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.”