SUSTAINABILITY
IoT generating data-informed decisions One tech evolution that ’ s helping aid data centre sustainability is the Internet of Things . Characterised as a network of connectivity embedded with software and sensors for the collection and exchanging of data , IoT has the capacity to collect vast amounts of accurate , detailed insights .
Comprising millions of devices around the globe , the IoT helps businesses monitor their environmental impact so it can be mitigated . This may include noting outages , emissions , energy loss , or inefficiency in various processes or systems .
Storrar highlights some of the ways in which IoT-based data is helping sustainability :
• Replacing legacy technology “ As data centre equipment gets older , it typically becomes less energy efficient and requires more power to run . With newer , more energyefficient technologies available from manufacturers , many operators are choosing to upgrade their infrastructure to improve performance and save energy .”
• Virtualisation “ This allows multiple systems and functions to run on the same server , while also combining multiple servers into one .”
• Power-on-demand “ Using power only when it is needed is an approach that can be optimised through continuous monitoring and analysis . Tools are also available to help data centre operators reclaim unused power and distribute it to other areas of the facility , further reducing their reliance on power generation .”
84 April 2023