Cloud Computing

Is cloud computing green?

Cloud computing is significantly more energy efficient than using in-house data centers.  Cloud computing is when remote machines owned by companies run everything from word processing, data analysis programs, and even email programs for other companies.  They are web-based services that host all the programs users need to do his or her job.  With a system like this, instead of installing suites of software to each computer the company only has to deal with one shared interface.  This makes adding new employees to your system as easy as opening a Garage Door, it only takes one task to add an employee to the system and give them access to any software and applications they will need available to them. Most people are already familiar with some forms of cloud computing; anyone who uses a web-based email such as Gmail has been able to remotely login to their email without having any form of downloaded software.  There is a significant workload shift, as local computers no longer have to do all of the work for running application.

Cloud computing has been referred to as the ‘Green IT Solution.’  Not only is this form of computing more efficient technically, it is also eco-efficient and energy efficient. Businesses with more than $1 billion in annual revenue can achieve energy savings of $12.3 billion a year by 2020 through cloud computing services. In addition it projects an overall 30,000 metric tons savings in CO2 reduction. Cloud computing is projected to achieve annual carbon reductions equivalent to 200 million barrels of oil - enough to power 5.7 million cars for one year, says the study of the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP).

The structure of cloud computing addresses two elements critical to achieving greener technology; energy and resource efficiency. Cloud computing would be linked to renewable energy, and eventually be completely powered by wind and solar-derived energy.  Cloud computing would use recyclable energy, because unlike carbon-base d fuels, the wind and the sun and the earth itself provide fuel in amounts that are effectively limitless. The energy used to power cloud computing would also be reusable, as it would filter through out all of the systems and power computing loads for dozens of companies, all with one natural energy source.  The system would rely entirely on the earth to provide fuel.

Cloud computing also means computing loads are spread over the day, allowing for increased equipment utilization.  Despite the increased demand for computing resources, data center facilities and electricity cost are growing at 10-15% per year. From a resource perspective, less equipment is needed to run workloads, which reduces data center space and e-waste footprint.  From an energy perspective, with less physical equipment, a data center will consume less electricity.

These energy and cost advantages will over time translate into more and more companies switching to cloud services, the economic and energy advantages are too high to not take advantage of.  The amount of capital lost while supporting in house teams, and in house equipment will no longer be sustainable, and companies will have to look for another system.

Chris Keenan is a green and general blog writer. He writes for many sites including Precision Garage Door. Chris also maintains a personal blog at The Keenan Cookbook