Virtualised data centre cuts energy use
Virtualised data centre cuts energy use
Microsoft is working with Samsung Electronics to further reduce the amount of energy consumed by its virtualised data centres.
Virtualisation and cloud computing already tend to consume less energy than traditional data centres, in part because the server space is used more efficiently when shared. However, the introduction of Samsung's Green Memory looks likely to reduce power use even further.
Based on 20 nanometre DDR3 memory, the technology can cut energy consumption by 15 per cent or 30 Watts when run in an 8GB registered dual inline memory module.
Microsoft is putting this to good use, as infrastructure architect and Green IT lead Frank Koch explained: “The world notices a dramatic increase of energy usage in data centres with more and more people leveraging their IT and moving to a private cloud.
“With the innovative memory modules from Samsung, we do not only measure higher throughput and performance for our hyper-v cloud solutions but a lower power consumption of the involved server systems, too. This is a great win-win situation for everyone.”
Samsung has further plans to develop solutions based on its 20 nanometre class 4Gb DDR3 and enterprise SSD to help the greenest memory solutions keep up with performance improvements.
But for now, the focus is on expanding solutions with greater energy efficiency and IT investment savings for the current server systems and those of the next generation. Wanhoon Hong, executive vice-president of memory sales and market at Samsung's device solutions department, noted that this will enable “more sustainable business practices, such as 'creating shared value' for customers on a grander scale”.
Businesses looking to move services into the cloud should evaluate the performance of their existing network and consider setting up a leased line or MPLS network.
