Cloud Computing Helps Accelerate Green IT

Cloud-based server, storage, and network infrastructure — also called infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) — will inherently deliver green IT benefits: lower energy costs, carbon emissions, and electronic waste (e-waste). Not only does the self-service and pay-as-you-go nature of cloud encourage your users and applications teams to consume only what they need, but the IT infrastructure that is consumed is run in a highly shared, virtualized, and utilized manner that drives IT efficiencies. For IT infrastructure and operations (I&O) professionals implementing or considering IaaS, don't overlook its green IT benefits, especially as energy and carbon prices rise and data center power and cooling limits are reached. This report explains why IaaS is greener than a traditional environment and identifies key steps that I&O professionals can take to maximize their energy, carbon, and e-waste efficiencies.