Go Virtual
This one is a bit more complicated than resisting the urge to print out an e-mail. But it can also save you in several ways: you'll save cash, space, and the planet.
Virtualization refers to the abstraction of computer resources, so, for example, one storage device can simulate multiple devices. You can virtualize
hardware, networks, storage, and
applications, saving on power costs as well as reducing the need for server space and your IT group's maintenance load.
Sound intimidating? Check out bMighty's
step-by-step guide to virtualizing a server using
VMware Converter (free) and VMware Infrastructure 3 (free 60-day evaluation). Because, yes, you can download vendors' products for free and
give them a trial run to see if virtualization has
benefits for your business.
For tips and resources about virtualizing the other three flavors, click
here for application virtualization, click
here for network virtualization, and click
here for storage virtualization.
Regardless of the size of your company, said Pouchet, there's a lot you can do with virtualization. For example, if you have two servers, do they have to be running all the time, he asked? Virtualize one, Pouchet suggested, and turn the other one off. Because merely putting a server in idle doesn't save much energy, he said -- 60 to 70 percent of its power runs at full performance in idle, and the same goes for computers.
Virtualization is catching on, with
more than three-quarters of midsize companies reporting they've adopted some form of virtualization, with the majority stating the primary benefit was reducing hardware requirements. And a less-obvious green benefit is that since virtualization requires fewer machines running, less heat is generated, and that results in less air conditioning. In addition, ultimately you end up with fewer dead machines and less electronic waste to deal with.
Don't Miss: 5 Easy, Cheap Ways To Green Your Data Center
