It’s difficult to read any publication these days without being bombarded with words like “eco-friendly” and “sustainable.” But that’s no reason to ignore new ‘greener’ technologies that not only help the environment, but also save money and improve business operations. Use these tips to get started.
Server Virtualization
Server virtualization consolidates the workloads of under-utilized servers to fewer machines, reducing money spent on hardware and administration, and paving the way for better data management and security. Running fewer machines also opens the door to energy savings, and ultimately means less equipment in the office and in landfills. And virtualization offers non-green benefits, too. It gives companies the flexibility to change or move storage without affecting how data is accessed.
Data Center Consolidation
Many businesses maintain multiple data centers, even when a smaller number will do. This sometimes happens because an acquisition brings a new data centers into the mix, or because remote offices are set up to operate independently before being brought fully into the IT fold. The cost of maintaining multiple data centers – both financially and environmentally – can be significant. Consider IT staff needed for maintenance, duplicated hardware, backup and storage required, cooling costs, and the physical real estate required.
By consolidating data centers into one or two locations, companies will see reductions in utility bills and other expenses, while also reducing their carbon footprint. In addition, some may benefit from improved overall server workload utilization. Keep in mind that some duplication of data center assets may be needed to protect business continuity when the unexpected strikes.
Server Consolidation
Gartner Group research shows that servers in many organizations run at 15-20% of capacity. Those underutilized servers are inefficient workers; they take up more space and consume more resources than their production justifies, which costs money and has environmental consequences. By consolidating the energy-guzzling servers of yesterday, you can reduce maintenance costs, energy consumption and IT manpower. Replace two or more old servers with a two-way or four-way server. These incorporate multi-core processors for increased performance. In the past several years, they’ve become increasingly popular.
Other “It’s-Easy-Being-Green” Strategies Your Team Can Adopt:
- Use Power Management Features
Many IT departments focus on uptime and performance andoverlook the built-in power management tools that come with many pieces of equipment. It’s worth taking time to optimize them. - Implement Energy-Efficient Servers
If you’re on the fence about replacing old equipment, remember that the latest generation of servers consume less power than regular models and include components to increase air flow. - Reduce Waste
All-in-one machines, like multi-function printers, will help your organization consume less energy and will leave less landfill waste when they’re retired. - Recycle Old Equipment
Computers, monitors and other electronics contain toxic materials that can harm the environment if they end up in landfills. Find a reputable recycler that dismantles equipment and recycles the parts. The Environmental Protection Agency maintains a website with information on recycling resources in your local area.
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