EDCi - Green Computing

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Adherence to green computing practices is one of the hallmarks of an efficient data center. Servers, storage systems, and networking equipment use space and power, generate heat, and require cooling systems for proper operation. By following green computing practices, data center managers can cut the amount of space, power, and cooling required to reduce energy costs and improve overall efficiency.

The Efficient Data Center Initiative best practices address green computing imperatives on all fronts:

Space and Power - By reducing the amount of equipment required, IT managers can reduce the amount of space and power required. Smaller data centers reduce energy costs and simplify maintenance routines. Strategies include:

• Server virtualization technology and blade servers, which deliver higher performance per cubic foot of space and provide higher performance per watt of energy consumed than non-virtualized or stand-alone servers. Blade servers share power supplies and I/O systems to reduce energy consumption.
• High-bandwidth, unified I/O adapters and networking technologies to reduce the number of adapters and cables required, also reducing space. For example, one 40Gb/s InfiniBand adapter and cable can take the place of four 10-Gigabit Ethernet adapters or six 8Gb Fibre Channel HBAs and cables. In addition, a high-bandwidth, low-latency I/O adapter and network technology such as InfiniBand can reduce power consumption by handling up to four times as much traffic per system as other alternatives.

Efficiency - Reducing the number of unutilized components and maximizing the productivity and efficiency of a data center reduces both power and cooling expenses, reducing the overall management overhead and saving real estate.