Recent research by the organizers of Data Centre World 2012, the UK’s largest dedicated data center event, shows that data centers in the United Kingdom are embracing green technologies but can do more to make the technologies more efficient.
Data Centre World 2012 helps data center managers and professionals plan, implement and manage their existing and future data center requirements.
Despite increased enterprise sustainability due to the cloud, data center facilities are expected to consume 19 percent more energy in 2012 than in 2011, according to new research from Datacenter Dynamics.
Data center operators are gearing up for a green revolution, because 29 percent of data center operators fear that there will not be enough energy to meet the growing demands of today’s high-consumption data centers within the next three years. These operators must build their facilities in an energy-efficient manner and implement technologies that help decrease the amount of energy needed to run a facility.
In an effort to become more energy efficient, 61 percent of UK data centers have adopted server virtualization, 71 percent have replaced inefficient equipment and over 67 percent deploy solutions to optimize cooling and airflow.
The research also showed that data centers in the UK have much to work on. Nearly 72 percent of management within UK data centers admitted to not consulting with their facilities teams on energy requirements before making equipment purchases.
With less than half of the facilities that have embraced server virtualization reporting only utilization rates of over 50 percent, the UK facilities can do more to make the green technologies more efficient. Server virtualization, a key strategy for both energy and cost reduction, provides other benefits such as faster server provisioning, reduced hardware vendor lock-in, improved disaster recovery, isolated applications and extended life of older applications.
The survey also found that 62 percent of UK facilities do not currently deploy low energy servers and only 15 percent currently recycle heat from the data center.
“With energy costs rising and the introduction of the government’s CRC legislation, which aims to cut carbon emissions by 80 percent (of 1990 levels) by 2050, it is good to see that many data centers are moving towards greener technologies such as server virtualization,” said John Hatcher, Data Centre World conference director said. “However, the lack of communication within facilities teams is a concern and with budgets tight due to the stalling economy, it is surprising that sever virtualization rates are not higher.”
In related news, RIT Technologies, a provider of data center network management solutions, has launched RIT CenterMind Solution, which is designed to offer real-time consolidated views of data center IT assets, connectivity, power and environmental conditions. The solution is a new approach to data center infrastructure management (DCIM).
Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO East 2012, taking place Jan. 31-Feb. 3 2012, in Miami, FL. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. For more information on registering for ITEXPO registration, click here.
Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO. Follow us on Twitter.
Rachel Ramsey is a TMCnet editorial assistant, contributing news items and feature articles on a variety of communications and technology topics. Rachel has previously worked in PR and communications at The Wriglesworth Consultancy, an award-winning London PR firm. She has also contributed to the creative services department at CBS 3 and The CW Philly in Philadelphia. To read more of Rachel's articles, please visit her columnist page.Edited by
Jennifer Russell
