Green Datacenters, a Healthy Bottom Line for Enterprises

As years pass by, data centers are getting more common and essential. Data centers are indispensable for the smooth functioning of business processes, information management, and communications functions.

As years pass by, data centers are getting more common and essential. Data centers are indispensable for the smooth functioning of business processes, information management, and communications functions. Hence, today every sector of the economy use and operate data centers. Several factors are responsible for the rapid increase in the use of data centers. Let's look at some of these factors.

* Accelerated growth in the use of the Internet

* Increased use of electronic transactions

* Shift from paper-based information to digital based

* Government regulations requiring digital records retention

* High performance scientific computing

The growth in the number of data centers led to increased use of energy. The result of which is

* Increase in the emission of greenhouse gases especially from electricity generation

* Increase in the demand for electricity which the existing power grids are finding difficult to meet

* Increase in the energy costs for both business and government

* Increase in capital costs as a result of expansion of data center capacity and building of new data centers

This led to increased interest in developing solutions for energy efficiency in the data center sector. As part of it, Congress passed public law 109-431 in 2006 entrusting Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to carry out a study through its Energy Star program to "analyze the rapid growth and energy consumption of computer data centers by the Federal Government and private enterprise." The result was startling and predicted a bleak future in this sector. This accelerated the concept of green datacenters.

A green datacenter is "a repository for the storage, management, and dissemination of data in which the mechanical, lighting, electrical and computer systems are designed for maximum energy efficiency and minimum environmental impact." Building a green data center is quite expensive, as it requires low-emission building materials, carpets and paints, installation of catalytic converters on backup generators, alternative energy technologies such as photovoltaics, heat pumps, and evaporative cooling, and so on. However, cost savings do come in the form of energy savings, reduced carbon footprint, datacenter virtualization, lower operating and maintenance costs, and reduced environmental impact.

With several service providers offering effective green datacenter solutions, enterprises can now easily realize their objective of a healthy bottom line and a healthy environment. These service providers follow different methodologies to provide companies with solutions that are cost effective and sustainable.

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Information security

Application management service

Features of Security Enterprise Asset Management Solutions

Security enterprise asset management is an organizational method and in most cases is available as a software application. Most companies provide this software utilizing a database structure. This application can work in cooperation with other operating systems as well. It shares data on a mixed platform, such as Linux, Sun Solaris, Windows 98/NT/2000 and many others.

Security enterprise asset management solutions are efficient and can function smoothly without affecting the flow of your daily activities. Under this a company manages its physical assets by evaluating the causes of their possible failures. Using this solution you can review methodically all the failures, their effects and causes and set up security measures and other important maintenance guidelines. Most IT service providers make of this solution as it can conduct automatic inventories of the companies assets and sets up a dynamic audit. Furthermore, it recognizes the actual location of assets, even if they are remotely placed in other organization networks.

Recently, eminent IT brands specializing in managed security services have come up with security enterprise asset management solutions. It involves all the activities linked with end-to-end tracking and management of assets that are:-

· Asset Discovery (Physical and Logical)

· Configuration Management

· Retire & Disposal Management

· Interface with Enterprise Asset Management Systems and Processes

· Enterprise security posture assessment

· Request & Approval Process

· Compliance to Regulatory Laws if applicable

· Procurement Management

· Create & Maintain Definitive Hardware Store

· Supplier/Vendor Management

· Re-Deployment and Movement

· Interface with complimenting, dependant ITSM Processes and Functions

· Physical Asset Tracking

· Assessment on ISO 27001 and PCI controls.

· Software License Management

· Contract Management (Support/Maintenance/ Renewals /Enterprise License Agreement)

· Create & Maintain Definitive Software Library

Service providers of enterprise security and asset management offer their users with accurate and complete data about the condition of their assets by sending regular updates. Users can quickly run and record associated searches and reports concerning their assets. It helps them and their agents to detect problems easily and pace up the remediation process. Furthermore, the solution helps to calculate the rollouts and enhancement costs. It can also manage the daily operation of logistical units, enabling the users to get involved in freight forwarding and transport unit repairs. It helps to come up with custom reports on the usage and sets up estimations on what might possibly occur. This allows the users to anticipate the requirements and expenses and remediate for problems that might arise.

 

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Green datacenter

Datacenter virtualization

Need to develop Green Datacenters

With the growing expenses of power and an increased uncertainty in power accessibility, energy conversion today is a major issue for data centers. With the increase in computing power demand to satisfy crucial mission application as well as the advent of virtualization created drastic impacts on server density, making the requirement for an efficient energy management plan even more essential today.  When there is an in-depth knowledge of energy consumption attained through real-time monitoring within the data center, administrators feel safer of being able to make improved and energy conscious decisions. All these facts, had led to the need for Green Datacenters today.

Several companies hosting digital marketplaces and social networks present at the Green Grid Forum 2012 shared their initiatives for establishing green datacenters. The datacenters today consume more than 2 percent of the total electricity. It has been estimated that almost half of US’s electricity is generated by burning coal. The increasing datacenter energy usage will contribute to an ever increasing percentage of greenhouse has emissions unless we are able to decouple the expansion of data storage and processing from fossil fuel pollution.

Leading information security brands today have come up with a phased methodology to offer Green Datacenter solutions that are cost efficient in nature. This apart, they offer sustainability to business operations and guarantees a healthy bottom-line for an organization. 

The phases that are put to use are:-

·         Assessment Phase

This phase helps in setting up baseline of energy usage and carbon footprint of the present environment using an assessment framework which is also utilized to audit the present environment. This process is followed by Gap analysis and Feasibility study for identifying transformational initiatives, assess expense structure and conduct impact analysis.

·         Planning and Design Phase

This phase assists in setting up a detailed route map for certain Green IT initiatives like DC optimization, procurement, financial, recycling and resource planning.

·         Implementation Phase

This phase works towards selecting and implementing certain technologies data center transformation initiatives such as datacenter consolidation, virtualization, power and cooling management and IT infrastructure management. This phase also helps an organization to attain LEED certificate.

The amount of data the world processes and stores will go on expanding fast. EMC, an esteemed information infrastructure solutions enterprise predicts that the amount of global data will expand to approximately 35 zetta bytes by 2020. If there is no focus given on datacenter efficiency and renewable power usage, then the climatic impact of datacenters will also expand exponentially. To aid this situation, eminent IT solution providers are offering Green Datacenters methods to their clients and end users.

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Green datacenter

Identity and access management

Making Green Datacenters for Future

Today majority of enterprises are executing green strategies by recycling archaic IT products known as e-waste and by bringing down energy consumption. As more and more organizations are willing to put in green constituents for technology services and goods, IT vendors today need to stay updated about energy conservation tactics to procure more business. Businesses that already have a systematic Green IT strategy in place have a greater chance to consider green initiatives into the IT vendor selection process than others.

Recent trend updates reveal that Green IT initiatives will continue to become a priority for global enterprises as more companies are rising up to the cause of having a better and greener working environment.

The concept of Green Datacenters

In line with Green IT initiatives, at the Green Grid Forum held in March 2012 various enterprises hosting social networks and digital marketplaces highlighted their attempts in establishing green datacenters. Datacenters today use more than 2 percent of the overall electricity. In U.S approximately half the electricity is produced by burning coal. The increasing usage of datacenter energy will lead to an increase in greenhouse gas emissions till the time we can match the processing data storage growth from fossil fuel pollution.

Market research estimates that the data stored and processed will keep on expanding and that too quickly. The number is predicted to expand by 35 zettabytes by 2020. Hence, it is an imperative today to focus on data center efficiency and renewable power usage.

Green Data Center Solutions

Eminent IT service providers have come up with efficient Green Datacenter solutions that follow a phased methodology. These solutions are cost-effective and offer sustainability to business operations and guarantee a positive bottom-line for an organization. The phases are as follows:-

● Assessment Phase

This phase sets up a baseline of energy usage and carbon footprint of the existing environment using an assessment framework which is used to audit the environment. After this there is a Gap analysis and Feasibility study done for recognizing transformational initiatives, performing impact analysis and assessing the cost structure.

● Planning and Design Phase

This phase helps in setting up an elaborate roadmap for certain Green IT initiatives such as DC optimization, procurement, recycling, financial and resource planning.

● Implementation Phase

This phase chooses and executes specific technologies for Datacenter Virtualization, virtualization, IT infrastructure management, power and cooling management and many more.

However, when it comes to Green IT initiatives and developing Green Datacenters a lot depends upon people’s attitude and their changing mindset. It is also the individual enterprise choice whether or not to make their operations and working environment green that counts.

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Managed security services

IT help desk

Efficient IT Service Management Practices on the Cloud

The latest trend in the IT environment is cloud computing. The employment of advanced technologies to expedite efficiencies and leverage performances has been an expensive decision. The current environment is very competitive and you have to show profound capabilities by increasing productivity without increasing the costs. Now this is a very rough terrain and you will encounter risks and challenges often that can derail your operation. The only way to tame these challenges and make enriching gains is by employing the cloud computing services.

The cloud computing technology helps you deliver services faster and securely helping in meeting the customer expectations and increasing the satisfaction levels. It provides you with prompt and real-time updates thus facilitating you to take critical business decisions. The cloud model deploys strategies that increase the visibility of the processes and grants you improved controls to maximize the revenue earning potentials. It also provides integration capabilities that increase collaboration and optimization of the processes. All the services are delivered on a secure network and wasteful processes are eliminated which helps in curbing the costs.

It is advisable to seek assistance from professionals that offer the cloud computing services as they have the expertise and knowledge to employ best practices that will bear effective results. The professionals help in deploying an automatic and streamlined application hosting and management process that leverages efficiency. The processes can be customized to meet the requirements of your business.

The cloud computing service providers extend complete support with 24/7 server monitoring service without any interruptions. All network latency issues are resolved effectively to ensure consistent connectivity. The processes that are deployed are as per the ITIL standards and you are furnished with comprehensive, integrated and intelligent IT service management operations. The processes are simplified and easy to use which provides you with an enriching experience. The helpdesk service facilitates you to login, create requests, reports incidents, resolve issues, track your request and review the status easily. The cloud provides you with quick responses that saves your time and costs.

The online environment consistently feeds you with information about the latest changes in the market.  You have to be alert and ensure that you absorb the relevant information for making modifications in your processes to enjoy better yields. The IT platform must be uncomplicated and flexible so that the people, processes and technology can be merged into a collaborative unit for earning more profits.

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Datacenter virtualization

Green datacenter

 

Managed Security Services: Simplifying security operations for global organizations

Today's global organizations are so dependent on technology for their communication, that the IT infrastructure and computer networks form the backbone of its growth. However, with offices and customers spread across geographically distant locations, security of critical data and information becomes a cause of concern while managing such vast networks turns into a herculean task. To overcome such hurdles in the path of growth, organizations thus tend to outsource these functions to experts in the field of network security and management.

With the rise in demands for IT outsourcing and security enterprise and asset management, number of IT organizations have forayed into providing network security. However, the leaders in the field of managed security services provide their clientele significant cost reduction and business benefits through the use of advanced management tools and remote delivery models.

The managed security services offered by the IT giants include cutting edge networking solutions which have been developed through the design-implement-consult-engineering model for optimizing and managing the network, both local area and wide area, besides the unified communications IPT and VoIP. In today's business scenario, when global expansions and technological innovations are the focal point to beat the competition, there is little room for information security of enterprises. The managed security service partners takes of this issue for the global enterprises.

The security services include information security monitoring both on-site and remote. The 24/7 security monitoring services alerts the organization of any security threats that are prevalent in and around the infrastructure environment. Further the security devices installed in the locations includes firewalls, network and host IDS/IPs, VPN, proxy as well as multifactor access controls. The managed end-point security services takes care of virus and malware monitoring and prevention of its outbreak in the network environment. With regular signature updates and compliance management, it uses various tools to provide organizations with fundamental control of security status.

Anti phishing being one of the major threats faced by the modern global organizations, these leading network giants under their managed security services offer anti-phishing services which provides the clients with comprehensive solutions to mitigate the impact of phishing incidents. By monitoring proactive domains and phishing URLs, reporting and forensic analysis, ensures reduction in brand damage and maintains customers trust in the networked channels. The anti-malware services enables website administrators of the organizations a constant vigilance of security breach. The web application malware monitoring along with malicious code sandbox analysis and forensic and malware reporting helps organizations to know beforehand and be prepared before the websites are used for malware attacks.

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Service Desk 

Green datacenter

Streamlining Asset Management in a Dynamic Business Environment

In a fiercely competitive business environment, organizations tend to make use of technological innovations to upgrade existing infrastructure or add new one. As the assets of the enterprises increase, these should be backed by productivity, cost effectiveness and good business value. Proper management if the IT assets become vital for the organizations for ensuring such business accomplishments. The progressive growth of the organization's infrastructure further demands that these should be managed effectively for proper execution of business strategies.

With business houses largely dependent on the IT, a combination infrastructure a combination between the hardware and software of various assets is necessary to ensure achievement of goals. Further the changing dynamics demands the use of advanced process to achieve higher business prospects. Implementing stable asset management strategy will not only help organizations enjoy benefits such as reduced cost, business alignment and quality service but also foster a compatible and cohesive environment.  . However, with security risks looming large over the technological upgrades organizations should consider proactive steps and robust solutions to counter attack these.

IT Asset management is a tool for managing the assets, contracts and the associated costs through out the lifecycle of the asset. However, besides the registry of physical assets, it includes documentation, service level agreements, catalogs and warranties as part of the asset management procedures. It also facilitates relationship building of these assets with customers, departments, and external agencies thus creating constant returns with reduced risks. As technological advancements came over, the cloud computing model of asset management proved to be advantageous for the new age business houses.

The cloud computing based asset management model provides organizations with a cost efficient solutions, asset discovery and maintenance of hardware and software libraries. Further, the cloud based model also facilitates software license management, contract management, supplier & vendor management, management of procurements, re-deployment and disposal. Being a web based the organizations are benefitted by the on-demand services which include real-time reports for critical decision making. 

Asset management being a challenge for the new age organization, the cloud based model streamlines and automates the asset management process. Leveraging on the efficient help desk facilities users can find solutions create requests and review reports and status. The asset management services offered  by the industry leaders include all activities aimed towards management and tracking of  assets and includes physical and logical discovery of assets, interfacing and complimenting ITSM processes and functions, interfacing with enterprise asset management system and processes, compliance to regulations and assessment of enterprise security. 

Today’s green datacenter environment of most organizations deploy efficient  identity and access management solutions that provides better end-user experience, empowers business through enhanced efficiency in asset management, provides user privacy security and agility in application  development with high ROI.

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Service desk

Managed print services

Opt in for Green Datacenters

Today in the data center industry, the Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) has materialized to efficiently integrate the main evaluative constituents of data center energy usage to offer meaningful efficiency estimations. This standard will be equivalent to “Miles Per Gallon” figure utilized within the auto industry to enable customers to estimate fuel efficiency between different providers and models. 

Today many data centers are becoming short of space and power. They are not being able to add more servers as they have reached either their space/ power limits or they have reached the cooling capacity limits. Furthermore, environmental issues too are becoming important concerns as they also contribute to a company’s growing ability.

Sustainability is essential in a business. Hence, numerous data center clients are aiming at methods to preserve energy and reduce expenses for the company to grow. It is said that the journey to a green datacenter has its sustainability and cost rewards. Energy consumption and environmental issues are essential. If it is not addressed it can hinder a company’s growth and its ability to respond to organizational IT requirements. 

Green awareness has the potential to become green action and build the foundation for Green IT. Making use of green technologies to expand capacities, minimizing expenses and risks at the same time is much more than mere smart business. Planning for corporate sustainability and energy efficiency with positive outcome always go hand in hand. The global economy has made the modern day world more cooperative and competitive. Therefore, as companies today strive to thrive in a constantly changing scenario, becoming accustomed to sustainability tactics is a business imperative.

Leading IT service providers have introduced green data center initiatives recently. They generally follow a phased methodology to offer green datacenter solutions that are cost efficient in nature, offer sustainability to business operations and ensures a stable bottom-line. The three essential phases are:-

•          The Assessment Phase

This phase creates an energy usage baseline and carbon footprint of the present environment using an assessment framework. This is followed by Gap analysis and feasibility study to spot transformational activities, conduct impact analysis and evaluate cost structure.

•          Design and Planning Phase

This stage gives a detailed route map for certain Green IT initiatives like DC optimization, procurement, recycling, resource and financial planning

•          Implementation Phase

This phase selects and executes certain technologies for datacenter consolidation, virtualization, cooling and power management, and IT infrastructure management. It also involves helping a company to attain LEED certified. 

A well thought out green strategy can minimize operational expenses and other hazards. Being green by design can enhance a brands corporate image. However, prior to opting for any green initiatives it is essential to assess the existing greenness of your data center by researching on areas such as facilities, utilization methods, IT equipments and the best practices in use.

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Green datacenter

Identity and access management

Profound IT Assistance with Creditable Manifestations

IT assets are the software, hardware, policies and standards that govern your business processes. An optimized asset management process ensures an efficient operation and positive results. The asset management process must include the physical, technological, contractual and financial components that have deep impacts on the decisions that you make.

A comprehensive asset management process ideally includes the creation and maintenance of the hardware and software libraries, configuration management, physical asset tracking, software license management and procurement management, request and approval process, contract management (which includes enterprise licenses and agreements as well as renewals), supplier and vendor management, disposal management, redeployment management, compliance and security management. The asset management requirements can be optimally fulfilled when you have a robust and scalable data center.

The data center is the backbone of your business. A streamlined and integrated data center consolidation strategy is mandatory to enhance the performance of your applications and ensure that all issues are addressed effectively. A proactive data center consolidation solution helps to improve efficiencies and reduce costs. It eliminates the need for additional staff required for maintenance purposes.

The solution provides customization facilities to remain in alignment with the requirements of your business. It provides support in easy deployment and management of processes that render productive outcome. The demand for healthy practices to preserve the environment from contamination has led to the drive for adoption of the green datacenter. These processes are energy-efficient which helps in reducing the costs and mitigating risks that threaten a healthy environment.

If you want to achieve success you have to have competent processes with extraordinary capabilities. You must possess a perfect network system that leverages prompt communication, provides consistent uptime and eliminates all latency issues. A robust and reliable network security that supports LAN, WAN and WLAN management, IP Contact Center management, network system integration and consultation, IPT, VoIP and unified communications is essential to ensure an uninterrupted operation.

The IT processes are complex and it requires a great deal of expertise and experience to manage these processes. You also have to ensure that the environment is free from risks that can endanger your survival. Your business will be saved from unnecessary costs and financial losses if you wisely opt for the managed services. A centralized and structured management process is deployed with stringent security parameters that help your business to successfully achieve the targets without causing any adverse effects. You are provided with optimized services that render compelling performances.

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IT outsourcing 

Identity and access management