Cloud Computing: Collaborating Hands With Green IT

Cloud computing is basically one of the most scalable, affordable and follows a distributed computing technology.  A distributed computing system is software set up where several computers located at several locations via a centralized service called server. 

These different systems communicate and coordinate with each other to send or receive data or messages. Cloud computing technology delivers services to multiple heterogeneous communities via three different models.

Infrastructure As A Service: – Also sometimes referred as Hardware As A Service model. In this model, the service provider outsources the infrastructure to support operations, server, networking and other hardware or software components. All the maintenance of the provided equipments is done at the service provider end.

  Software As A Service: – Here the softwares applications is provided to the end user by a service provider who is solely responsible for the debugging, testing, developing and maintenance of the software. The software being used is hosted in a remote server and the data is stored in an encrypted format.  All the communication is routed from the server itself.

Platform As A Service:- This cloud model is an extension of SaaS  which offers additional advantage for the developers. This renders a set of software applications made available to the end user that are hosted on a remote server. Through this we can modify or upgrade the softwares, OS etc.

Network as a Service: – This model delivers the entire network via the internet on pay-per-month basis. This appeals more  to novice entrepreneurs as it saves a lot of their expenses.

Because of the escalation of web based transactions per day, there is increasing demand of establishing high speed networks which is served by cloud platform. Apart of this is the need of big datacenters where all such private and confidential data can be securely kept. Many big companies such as Google, Yahoo and Amazon etc are successfully serving this purpose.

Because of increased internet related activities, the energy consumption in these processes have been massively increased which have raised an alarming signal. Scientists have been continually trying to find out the ways to control high energy usage and also the wastage that is often caused because of misuse of devices.

First Step

The first successful step towards this campaign was seen in 1992 when US Environmental Protection Agency started to promote energy efficient devices and energy conservation awareness. The result is the zeal to develop more and more energy efficient monitors and climate friendly devices. Widely used “Sleep mode” is also the benefaction of the same.

Is Cloud Computing Beneficial For Green IT

Yes. Many of the researches have concluded that cloud computing is almost 95% more efficient than the traditional computing practices. Thus its able to control the massive greenhouse gas emissions and put a check upon the energy requirements. Surveys have proved that green computing can save a lot of money because of reduced energy usage.

How To Promote Green IT

Researches have already proved that cloud computing is a major tool to promote Green IT. Below are the steps to be taken care of while pursuing cloud functionalities.

Datacenter Design: – Prepare energy efficient datacenter location.  Datacenter play a decisive role in this regard. Take natural lighting where ever possible. Geographically, chose datacenter location where you get cheap electricity as well as skilled resources.

Resources:-Use resources wisely. Shut down devices when not needed. Avoid wasting these critical resources to promote longevity and energy effectiveness.

Use Efficient Algorithms:

There are certain algorithms that are more efficient than others. Use hash/index algorithms that support fast search result queries than the linear algorithms. Research results say that an average Google search releases 7 gm of CO_{2 .} With use of such algorithms, CO₂ can be reduced. Efficient algorithms can route search results to data centers that consume less electricity and are thus promote green IT.

Benefits of Green IT

1. Energy Efficiency:It help in reducing energy consumption through the use of energy-efficient hardware and optimized software solutions. By this operational costs goes down and environmental impact also minimize.
2. Reduced Carbon Footprint:  By adopting its strategies like renewable energy sources, optimizing data center operations, and implementing energy-saving technologies we can reduce carbon footprint.
3. Cost Savings: Implementing energy-efficient technologies and cloud computing reduce the need for physical infrastructure. It reduce energy bills, helps in long-term financial benefits.
4. Regulatory Compliance: Many governments and regulatory bodies are introducing stringent environmental regulations. Following Green IT rules ensures compliance with these regulations, avoiding potential fines and enhancing the company’s reputation.
5. Improve Corporate Image: It help in brand image and attract customer who are more environment conscious.