Growing a Greener Data Center: is the data really greener on the other side?

• Author: Griffith, Denyse
• Position: Book review

Growing a Greener Data Center

Author: Douglas Alger

Publisher: Cisco Press

Publication Date: 2009

Length: 336 pages

Price: $40.50 in paperback

ISBN-13:978-1-58705-990-2

Source: www.ciscopress.com

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The existence and operations of large data centers are transparent to most people who do not work in information technology management, but these facilities lie at the heart of many processes, applications, and conveniences that we take for granted in the 21st century. Although data centers may not occupy a prominent place in our collective consciousness, the impact they have on the environment is significant. Grow a Greener Data Center by Douglas Alger provides an in-depth analysis of the issues related to the planning, design, construction, and operation of a data center that has less negative environmental impact than existing data centers.

In addition to considering the physical changes that can be made, Alger also addresses the changes in IT strategies, such as consolidation, virtualization, and automation, that allow more efficient and effective use of IT resources. This book could serve as a valuable reference tool for stakeholders involved in developing and implementing new data center projects. It is structured to enable readers to obtain in-depth information about their specific areas of concern or expertise, while also allowing them to gain insight into other aspects that need to be considered.

Quantifying the Greener Side of Data Centers

In the first chapter, Alger provides an overview of the impact of data centers on the environment and the rationale for moving to the construction and operation of greener facilities, and he discusses the business, regulatory, and environmental factors that are relevant to the decision-making process.

This chapter includes an evaluation of the current state of green construction and certification programs, as well as near-term anticipated changes and developments. The author does an excellent job of referencing examples from a wide cross-section of industries and around the world, which enables the reader to understand the importance of the subject matter and provide context for the proposed development of data centers with decreased negative environmental impact.

While many companies are going green to meet the expectations of their customers and clients, it is not often clear what this means or what the quantifiable positive outcome is. In the second chapter, Alger addresses...