Server virtualization and consolidation can help IT pros reduce power
consumption in the data center, but VMware took the power-reduction principle a step further
when building its new campus in Palo Alto, California. “From the get-go we wanted to make it a
sustainable campus, so we went out and found a green architect, Bull McDonough Partners,” says
VMware President and CEO Diane Greene. “We focused on using recyclable materials, having lots
of natural light, and using good landscaping and drainage…you basically don’t need to turn lights
on in the building because we have so much natural light.”
VMware’s new campus might be one way to cut energy costs, but what’s an IT pro do when
asked by management to cut data-center energy costs while maintaining service levels? Server
virtualization and consolidation are a big part of the solution, and an approach that saved Mike
Carvalho, chief technology officer at 1-800-Radiator, a bundle on his data center costs.
“Our data center was full, our racks were full, the AC was maxed, and we were maxed out on
UPS units,” says Carvalho. “After an old friend suggested we consolidate and virtualize, I gave it a
shot. I did it all myself in three weeks, and we saved about 30 percent on our power costs right
off the top.” Carvalho said 1-800-Radiator was the first company to take advantage of a program
developed by VMware and California’s Pacific Gas and Electric that gives business customers
rebates for using server virtualization to reduce power consumption. Carvalho finds it ironic that
his company was the first to receive the rebate. “Global warming would actually be good for us,”
he jokes. “The hotter it gets, the more radiators we would sell!”
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