| |
| Energy Efficiency With Optimum Server Virtualization Management |
 |
|
The results of a recent study show that 70% of IT managers use multiple processes in the form of both operating system and hardware virtualization, and paravirtualization and clustering. It’s pretty clear to see why the skepticism is nevertheless so great, because most users of server virtualizations do not know that this technology can be such an advantage for their company. Scalable and virtualizing computing forms the basis for implementing server pool concepts. In combination with automation technologies, IT management produces a more flexible control of the required IT resources, and consequently more efficient IT operation. Knürr’s experts believe a dynamic cooling system harmonized accordingly is the key to energy-efficient operation in data centers.
Intelligent virtualization reduces costs and saves energy.
Despite the skepticism of some experts, server virtualization is the first choice in reducing server costs, system costs, and as a result, operating costs. A higher level of application and IT resource management integration here facilitates better coordination of the required IT resources with the requirements of the applications. Knürr AG’s cooling experts focus here on the additional integration of the IT resource management in the overall concept of the cooling infrastructure, and cite this as another step in the optimization of energy efficiency in data centers. IT systems will consequently be able to highlight changes in cooling requirements. The early provision of information enables the less active cooling systems to adjust their performance to the coming requirements in good time. The power requirements to operate the cooling system can therefore be significantly reduced, as it no longer has to be stringently operated with cooling power at full load. The rapidly growing demand for energy to operate servers in data centers is, without a doubt, a decisive factor in the decision for or against server virtualization.
The energy density of the server technologies used in the last ten years has consequently risen by a factor of 10. Some 50% is consumed in server operation and 25% for cooling high performance servers (blades) – and the trend continues! In everyday practice this means that the energy costs for operating and cooling exceed the original purchase price of the server technology. In IT management matters, every watt saved on the IT side therefore counts twice, as this saving is consequently also possible with the infrastructure energy. The practical experience of Knürr’s experts shows that most of the technologies and solutions required in this respect, such as hot and cold aisle arrangements, the use of low-loss UPS systems, or selecting the right location, already exist, but often require consistent application and coordination. “In actual fact, a large part of the energy that is used for operating IT is not converted into computing power, but simply and astonishingly lost as dissipated heat,” says Dr. Koch. The man is a genuine “green pioneer” of the very first order, because the Knürr Chief Technology Officer (CTO) has been hard at work on this very topic since 2002. “The initial motivation for our ambitions back then was a cluster computer that was to be used by the Karlsruhe Research Centre (Fraunhofer Institute). This super computer obviously had different requirements and enormous dissipated heat loads, which we had to get under control for our customer.” Knürr has been working since 2002 on significant changes to server cooling, and focuses here on precisely the point where most companies’ handicap lies. “Significant improvements on all levels are required to achieve the somewhat ambitious goals of green activists,” says Dr. Koch. “Only the use of energy-efficient server components and the perfected harmonization of all systems, and all this within the physical environment, will visibly reduce energy requirements,” he adds, and also refers in this respect to the whitepaper compiled in cooperation with Fujitsu Siemens Computers (FSC).
Managing energy-efficient servers
At component level, for example, manufacturers are working on optimizing the energy consumption of their products, especially with low or medium utilization rates. Management tools of the future will be able to measure and display energy consumption, which will flow as an additional important metric into the management of IT environments to further align the use of IT systems with the actual requirements. FSC and Knürr also believe that in the future, the intelligent interaction of IT systems with the physical infrastructure will also provide further two-digit percentage savings. These can only be achieved if optimizations are made are made in line with a holistic approach. The use of low voltage processors, smaller hard disks, just one power supply and four RAM modules with 2GB instead of eight with 1 GB each, can therefore already reduce consumption by as much as a third. This requires EUR 220 in additional costs for the server. The reduction in power costs is proven to be reduced from an average EUR 304 to EUR 210 per year. CTO Koch adds a nuance: “If we also consider that about the same amount of energy can be saved in the cooling infrastructure, the additional costs for procuring the energy-efficient system amortize after only one year.” In the search for a best-in-class solution many, companies focus on the enormous potential that their virtualization technology offers in optimizing system utilization. The fact is that the operation of numerous virtual components of highly utilized servers exploits the supplied energy significantly more efficiently. VMWare is the most common server virtualization solution for standard-based servers on the market. In addition there are also further software solutions such as Xen (Open Source) and Virtual Server from Microsoft. On its Blade Frames in the mid-range and high-end area FSC even offers a combination of software-based and hardware-supported virtualization concepts. Utilization rates of more than 90% can be achieved with mainframe platforms.
Even more energy efficiency – from static to dynamic IT environment
Dynamic infrastructures are another step towards more energy efficiency. Making an IT operation more flexible allows IT resources to be adapted more precisely to current requirements. The energy consumption of unnecessary systems can be reduced by up to 74.5% by using today’s Quad Core processor technology in combination with management tools. One certainty is the fact that most technologies and solutions for improving energy efficiency already exist – they just have to be applied consistently and harmonized with one another. Only the intelligent interaction of the IT systems with the physical infrastructure will produce tangible energy savings. This requires close cooperation between IT and infrastructure production, and the readiness to adopt a holistic approach and way of thinking.
…read more (WhitePaper)
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
About Knürr
Knürr AG based in Arnstorf, Bavaria, was founded in 1931, and in February 2006 became part of Emerson Network Power,
a division of the global technology leader, Emerson, which has an annual turnover of 20 billion dollars, 128,000 employees
and 270 production sites around the world.
Knürr’s system solutions in the world of information and network technology and telecommunications soon established the company’s exceptional reputation as one of the leading developers and manufacturers of rack and enclosure platforms. These include systems for the indoor and outdoor area, all relevant active and passive components in the 19-inch construction area, and the thermal and cable management technologies this entails.
With standardized and customized developments, the company supports its customers with innovative technologies and comprehensive knowledge in the completion of its assignments. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
About Emerson Network Power
Emerson Network Power is an Emerson Group company (NYSE: EMR) and industry leader with its continuity solutions (Business-Critical Continuity™). The company is recognized as a reliable provider of flexible and dependable solutions that effectively protect the important components of the customer’s infrastructure. On the basis of the biggest global service organization in the industry, Emerson Network Power provides a wide range of innovative power supply, cooling and connection solutions. Added to this are services for the computer, communication, health care and industrial systems areas. Emerson Network Power’s most important product brand names include Liebert, ASCO, Astec and Lorain.
You will find more information on Emerson Network Power’s products and corporate solutions at www.emerson.com |
|
| |
|
|
| |
About Emerson
Emerson (NYSE: EMR) is based in St. Louis (USA), and as a leading technology and development specialist provides globally innovative customer solutions in the areas of network power supply, process management, industrial automation and thermal management, as well as the corresponding equipment and tools.
For more information go to www.emerson.com |
|
| |
|
|
| |
Knürr AG
Mariakirchener Straße 38
D-94424 Arnstorf
Telephone: +49 (0) 8723 -27-0
Telefax: +49 (0) 8723-27-154
eMail:
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
 Print page |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
back