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Introduction

Green IT is the application of environmental consciousness to the computer and information technology industries. Green IT companies are changing the way technology is used to cut down on waste, eliminate unnecessary energy use and help the environment.

The information below is derived from an article written by Rick Talbot, CTO for Cybernomics, entitled: "How Green IT Save Money and the Environment"

Virtualization

A technology called virtualization allows IT companies to reduce the resource requirements of datacenter, office and client operations. With virtualization, numerous older computers are able to be replaced by a smaller amount of newer computers. These newer computers, enabled with the virtualization technology, are able to operate as if they are 2 or more physically different computers.

Simply put, it works like this: imagine that a computer is an apple. In the old days, people would carry one apple in their hand. Then someone invented the basket. A bunch of apples could be put in one basket. Those apples in the basket are still individual apples, but they are being carried in one container. This is the essence of virtualization.

Replacing older computers

It is necessary to replace computers every 3 or 4 years as they begin to experience mechanical problems. In the last several years computers have become much more powerful. This has allowed us to take advantage of the hardware replacement cycle, and to replace our computers with fewer, more powerful machines.

Typically the number of computesr is reduced by a 4:1 ratio, which is a 75% reduction in physical computers. This means that in 1 physical computer there will be 4 “virtual” computers running. It is possible to go higher, and do 8:1 (87.5%) or 10:1 (90%). The 4:1 ratio is the simplest to accomplish and has a lower hardware and software price tag.

Environmental Benefits

The environmental impact of this work is compelling. Taking the 4:1 ratio as the baseline, here is what happens:

• A 50% to 75% reduction in electricity requirements. • A 75% reduction in metals such as aluminum, steel, gold, copper and tantalum. • A 75% reduction in plastics, including toxic plastics like PVC. • A 75% reduction in hazardous or carcinogenic chemicals used in the manufacturing process, such as: benzene, xylene, methyl chloroform, tetrachloroethane, and ethylene glycol. • A reduction in heat output, which means a reduction in air-conditioner requirements and therefore further lowered electrical requirements. • A 75% reduction in the volume of materials going into garbage dumps or recycling programs. This ensures further cost-savings to the economy at-large.

Business Benefits

• Lowered electricity costs • Potentially lower hardware and software costs • Lowered threat of critical loss of business, through increased uptime and recoverability • Easier means of backing up data and practical Business Continuity


Uptime and Recoverability

By switching to virtual computers, uptime is increased. In the case of a hardware problem, the virtual computers can be moved to any other suitable computer that is available and brought back on-line. Hardware failures that would typically cause an entire day of lost business, or even more, can now be mitigated to a great extent.

In traditional computing, the Operating System is tightly tied to the hardware, so in case of hardware failure you need a 100% identical computer standing by in order to have reasonable hope being up and running in short order.

Backups & Business Continuity (DR)

Virtual technology means that it is easier to backup an entire company’s infrastructure, and even store that backup off-site.

Virtual computers can be shipped to any location in the world, or even transmitted over the internet and brought on-line in another country. This allows for increased flexibility and protection in case of natural disaster or terrorist activity.

In the event of major business interruption, the entire business can be brought back on-line in another geographical location to enable the business to continue to function.

Green Power

There are many choices for green power and electricity to power datacenters, server rooms and office buildings.

Green power companies, like Bullfrog Power, use 100% non-carbon green electricity from wind and low-impact hydro sources.

Solar power companies employ solar panels and power systems to collect the Sun's energy.

Nuclear power and other forms of alternative power are also gaining popularity.

Cybernomics website: http://www.cybernomics.com

Cybernomics article on Green IT & Virtualization: http://www.cybernomics.net/index.php?/content/view/37/62/lang,en/

Info-Tech Research Group Article on Green IT Adoption: http://cio.tekrati.com/research/9079/

Info-Tech Green Index: http://www.infotech.com/Research/Notes/ITAP/InfoTechsGreenIndexHowGreenAreYou.aspx?PublicationNumber=%7B39E9B8BB-7C62-4B32-8B96-870E6AB9B41F%7D&SubCenter=%7B739E1518-13E5-4248-9D9A-CE5BA874ED88%7D

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