Virtualisation 'helps firms become energy efficient'

Companies can improve the efficiency of their IT operations by embracing virtualisation technology, a new study has indicated.

1E and the Alliance to Save Energy report that 72 per cent of managers believe 15 per cent or more of their servers are "not doing anything useful" in their companies, meaning money is being wasted on IT infrastructure, support and maintenance.

However, the study found that only 17 per cent of managers have an adequate understanding of virtual private servers and other related hosted technologies which could help generate savings.

Sumir Karayi, chief executive of 1E, said that contrary to popular belief, one of the largest causes of energy and IT operational waste in data centres are servers that are simply not being used.

Alluding to the benefits of virtual private servers, she said the decommissioning of non-productive in-house technology cannot be ignored.

"Organisations need better information on server efficiency and more effective ongoing energy management," Ms Karayi added.

Last week, IT manager David Davis claimed in a VMWare white paper that it should no longer be a question of "if" a company virtualises, rather "when" they take this step.

Written by Mark Hainsby