Green Computing and Virtualisation

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Part of our Blurring the boundaries (2): how technology is changing the way we learn series

In this world of global warming and environmental conservation, ICT is not exempt from the attentions of the environmental lobby. As we use computing resources for more applications, the environmental impact of power consumption and replacement of kit becomes more of an issue. This has particular resonance in the public sector, as governments try to meet carbon emissions targets

The introduction of virtualisation technologies in which multiple ‘virtual servers’ are run on a single hardware box is likely to be a driving force in the direction taken in technology architectures in the short and medium term. They offer savings in energy, by reducing the time computers spend ‘idle’ and using the physical machine resources more efficiently.

They also allow for flexible outsourcing of hardware estate. This in turn allows the data centres to invest in economy of scale savings using newer hardware and more efficient rack and air conditioning solutions.

As well as the use of virtualisation in data centres, there are developments at the other end of the scale to get the most out of desktop PCs. One such solution enables the resources of a single PC to be shared between up to six users for a set cost per ‘seat’. This is an interesting alternative to the more mainstream thin client approach, where applications are centred on virtual machines in the data centre and delivered to the desktop via thin client devices.

Green Computing and Virtualisation - In Our View

Virtualisation is fast becoming a simple choice for many businesses, offering the advantages of:

low power, and therefore reduced carbon footprint
increased flexibility and scalability at a system level
support for Service Oriented Architecture (SOA) and opportunities for outsourcing of the hardware estate or even the entire IT estate in conjunction with SaaS.

Alongside the expected increase in the use of ICT in the education sector, there is a requirement to reduce costs, and environmental impact. Virtualisation offers, for the education sector, possibilities for cost efficiency and making the most of potentially scarce resources, particularly where learning is delivered or supported by the voluntary sector or outside mainstream education.

Also in our Blurring the boundaries (2): how technology is changing the way we learn series:

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If you have any questions about the subjects covered in this white paper or you would like to find out more about how Oakleigh Consulting could help your organisation, please contact us on 0161 835 4100 or email us.

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