You already know the many lauded benefits of the cloud it saves paper, equipment and raw materials, while also providing employees and workplace teams an easier means to access important documents and files. But you may have also heard about how cloud data servers pack a punch in terms of environmental impact.
To minimize their carbon footprint, data centers are going green. Here are the ways companies behind some of the latest cloud-based technologies are working to reduce their environmental impact in the rollout of new products and services.
Like within many other industries, business owners who have previously invested in cloud data centers are starting small with their eco-friendly efforts. But this isnt to say their current efforts arent making a difference. For example, many data centers are swapping out old, incandescent light bulbs for energy-efficient LEDs, which conserve energy and provide massive cost savings on monthly utility bills.
Cloud computing is also a more environmentally friendly practice compared to investing in on-site servers. Thats because these cloud data centers simply dont need the same amount of infrastructure and space compared to their on-site server counterparts.
In fact, businesses that invest in on-site servers typically have more space than they need to house this bulky infrastructure, particularly if they plan to grow or expand operations. This leads to a number of drives sitting empty in the short or long term that still need to be powered and cooled.
In comparison, cloud data center operators can optimize the number of servers they own and use depending on their client and storage needs. For example, instead of running an on-site, physical customer service department, businesses can invest in a cloud contact center that requires less space and infrastructure.
Some leading cloud computing companies, like Facebook, Google and Apple, are also paving the way when it comes to investing in renewable energy in their data centers. In fact, all of Apples data centers are powered entirely by solar energy, while Facebook installed some of its newest servers in Iowa so the company could take advantage of the areas wind energy. Microsoft is using both types of renewable energy for its cloud centers: solar energy in Virginia and wind energy in Texas.
These giant corporations have a lot of political power and community clout, and theyre using it to not only enforce stricter regulations on energy use, but to also move the entire industry toward renewable energy.
One of the biggest electricity sucks for on-site servers includes maintaining cool temperatures in the spaces that house this infrastructure to prevent overheating. According to REIT.com, an average office space uses three to five watts of power per square foot, whereas a physical data center uses 100 to 300 watts per square foot.
Thats why many on-site data centers are housed in buildings or spaces specifically designed for their use. As the major tech giants have shown, locating operations near water and other renewable energy sources is optimal for conserving energy. However, if thats not in the cards, some companies are going a different, forward-thinking route: working with contractors to build energy-efficient and even LEED-certified warehouses.
Data center operators have also been examining the airflow in their buildings, so they can separate hot and cold air streams. By keeping cool air near their servers and moving hot air away from this expensive equipment companies dont need to run as many fans to maintain them.
The cloud continues to get greener. Not only is this technology saving companies space, time and money on hosting their own servers and saving them a lot of paper and filing cabinets its now leading the way in renewable energy and energy optimization. These are the first steps to a more connected, eco-conscious world.
Feature image courtesy of Shutterstock
Read More:How 5G Technology Will Power a Greener Future5 Top Tips for Recycling Old TechnologyHow to Finally Go Paperless in the Office
Were serious about helping our readers, consumers and businesses alike, reduce their waste footprint every day, providing quality information and discovering new ways of being even more sustainable.
See the original post here:
Earth911.com - Earth911.com
- Box for Android - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- eUKhost - eNlight Cloud Hosting! - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Cloud Computing -- Oracle is Ready to Take You There - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- What is Cloud Computing? - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Webinar - Cloud Computing: Why You Should Care - 2010-10-14 - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- What is Cloud Hosting? - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Cloud Computing Misconceptions and Benefits - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Cloud Hosting and How it is Set to Change Internet Commerce - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Awesome Cloud Computing Explained with Animation - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Rackspace Cloud Race - UK cloud hosting - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Improved Cloud Service Delivery And Hosting | IBM - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Cloud Computing Explained - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Software companies turn to Savvis for cloud hosting and other SaaS services - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Sky News Tech Report on Cloud Computing - Macquarie Telecom Interview - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- BitNami Cloud Hosting Demo - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Fully managed Cloud Computing solution using your current IT infrastructure (Closed Caption) - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- Cloud Hosting Server Provisioning - Video [Last Updated On: February 26th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 26th, 2012]
- iomart Hosting Provides Cloud Storage and Backup for new Branding Network [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- Harris plans to stop offering remote cloud hosting [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- iomart Hosting provides cloud storage and backup for new UK branding network [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- DynamicOps Debuts "Fastest Path to Cloud" Seminar and Webinar [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- Harris Corporation to Discontinue Cyber Hosting Operation; Will Continue Providing Advanced Cyber Security and Cloud ... [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- Tutorial! Amazon Cloud Minecraft Server Hosting! - Video [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- MachPanel 4.3 - SaaS and Cloud Hosting Control Panel for Windows - Video [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- Webair Carrier Neutral Cloud: Open Network Access in the Cloud [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- iomart Hosting Takes UK Digital Media Agency Into the Cloud [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- FireHost Grows Executive Team on Heels of European Expansion; Appoints Jim Ciampaglio as Sr. Vice President of Global ... [Last Updated On: February 28th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 28th, 2012]
- INetU Managed Hosting is SOC 2 and SOC 3 Compliant [Last Updated On: February 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 29th, 2012]
- Web Host Webair Adds Carrier Neutral Cloud Services [Last Updated On: February 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 29th, 2012]
- FireHost Appoints Jim Ciampaglio as Sr. Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing [Last Updated On: February 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 29th, 2012]
- BitRock CEO on BitNami Cloud Hosting - Video [Last Updated On: February 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 29th, 2012]
- Harris kills remote hosting service as customers shun cloud storage [Last Updated On: February 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 29th, 2012]
- Understand Cloud computing in 60secs - Video [Last Updated On: February 29th, 2012] [Originally Added On: February 29th, 2012]
- Systech Integrators® Forms Strategic Relationship With Rackspace Hosting® to Offer Cloud Hosting Services for SAP® ... [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2012]
- Dedicated & Cloud Hosting Provider Codero Names Industry Veteran Emil Sayegh, President & CEO [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2012]
- Cloud Computing and Technology Mobility - Video [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2012]
- Cloud Hosting Providers - Video [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2012]
- Online Education Innovator Gives Virtual Internet Cloud Services an A+ [Last Updated On: March 3rd, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 3rd, 2012]
- SingleHop Introduces the Hosting Industry's First Customer Bill of Rights [Last Updated On: March 6th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 6th, 2012]
- Cloud Services Provider Intermedia Launches Integrated Partner Program [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2012]
- Cloud Services Provider Intermedia Now Offering Microsoft Office 365 [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2012]
- Inside IT Cloud Computing Security - Video [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2012]
- Lansing Cloud Host Introduces Faster ‘Storm SSD’ [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2012]
- Leading Industry Analyst Firm positions Hosting.com as a Challenger in Managed Hosting Magic Quadrant [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2012]
- Hosting.com Positioned as Challenger in Managed Hosting in Gartner's Magic Quadrant [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2012]
- ServInt Announces the First Finalist for Its Inaugural Sextant Award, Recognizing the Most Effective Use of the ... [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2012]
- Leading Analyst Firm Recognizes Savvis as a Leader in Two Cloud-Focused Magic Quadrants [Last Updated On: March 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 8th, 2012]
- UK Cloud Computing Company iomart Hosting Recruits Scotland Footballers to Kick off New Campaign [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2012]
- Rackspace Hosting Positioned as a Leader in the Leaders Quadrant of the Magic Quadrant for Managed Hosting Providers [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2012]
- 4t Networks Offers Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6 for Cloud Hosting [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2012]
- elchemyv2.wmv - Video [Last Updated On: March 9th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 9th, 2012]
- Steve VanRoekel Keynote, NIST Cloud Computing Forum and Workshop IV - Video [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2012]
- Hosting.com Enhances Backup Capabilities to Deliver Leading-Edge Data Recovery Solution for Businesses Any Size ... [Last Updated On: March 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 12th, 2012]
- Online Tech Hosts Webinar on Cloud Computing in EHR/RCM Systems [Last Updated On: March 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 12th, 2012]
- Hosting.com Enhances Backup & Data Recovery [Last Updated On: March 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 12th, 2012]
- ServInt Introduces Its New Flex Line of High-Performance, Fully Managed Dedicated Servers [Last Updated On: March 14th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 14th, 2012]
- Telefonica targets LatAm with business cloud [Last Updated On: March 14th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 14th, 2012]
- TCWH Announces New InMotion Hosting Review 2012 [Last Updated On: March 14th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 14th, 2012]
- Lokahi Expands Cloud Offering to Include Managed Security Services Through Partnership With StillSecure [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2012]
- Eco Cloud Hosting IPv6 Ready with Web Application Firewall and Load Balancer - Video [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2012]
- Private SharePoint Cloud Beats Other Cloud Hosting Options for Enterprises on Price, Practicality [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2012]
- Private SharePoint Cloud Beats Other Cloud Hosting Options for Enterprises, Says AISN [Last Updated On: March 17th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 17th, 2012]
- CaymanSecurity.com Introduces Secure Cloud Hosting Services [Last Updated On: March 19th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 19th, 2012]
- Storm On Demand Introduces Windows Cloud Hosting [Last Updated On: March 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 20th, 2012]
- Citrix Streamlines Delivery of Cloud-Hosted Apps and Desktops [Last Updated On: March 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 20th, 2012]
- Cloud Computing Explained.mp4 - Video [Last Updated On: March 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 20th, 2012]
- AMD Opteron 3200 Chips Target Cloud, Web Hosting [Last Updated On: March 20th, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 20th, 2012]
- Understanding the Cloud Computing Stack: SaaS, PaaS and IaaS | CloudU - Video [Last Updated On: March 21st, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 21st, 2012]
- Racemi Joins Rackspace Cloud Tools Program [Last Updated On: March 22nd, 2012] [Originally Added On: March 22nd, 2012]
- iNetRadio Adds User Music Cloud Hosting [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2012] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2012]
- Managed Hosting Company, OneNeck IT Services, Selected by Southwest Home Builder for Cloud Services [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2012] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2012]
- What is Cloud Hosting? - Australian Cloud Hosting Providers - Video [Last Updated On: April 18th, 2012] [Originally Added On: April 18th, 2012]
- Courion Leverages NaviSite's Enterprise Cloud to Deliver Identity and Access Management Software-as-a-Service [Last Updated On: April 24th, 2012] [Originally Added On: April 24th, 2012]
- TLD Solutions Launches Next Generation "4GH" Web Hosting [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2012]
- ElasticHosts unveils simple cloud web hosting for SMEs [Last Updated On: May 4th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 4th, 2012]
- Rackspace Hosting 1Q net income up on higher sales [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2012]
- Infinitely Virtual Announces Support for Microsoft SQL Server 2012, Providing Cloud-Ready Hosting with Mission ... [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2012]
- Kore Domains Launches Revolutionary New "4GH" Web Hosting Solution [Last Updated On: May 8th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 8th, 2012]
- 4GH Web Hosting Europa Launches 4GH Cloud Web Hosting Solution in European Data Center [Last Updated On: May 10th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 10th, 2012]
- Hughes Cloud Services & Hosting Showcases Its Comprehensive Enterprise IT Offering At ... [Last Updated On: May 12th, 2012] [Originally Added On: May 12th, 2012]