IBM Helps Launch Green Data Center

IBM has teamed with New York State and Syracuse University to open what the company says is one of the world's greenest data centers.

The Green Data Center at Syracuse University provides a showcase for a number of state-of-the-art technologies designed to reduce power consumption and emissions.

"Together, IBM and Syracuse are tackling a significant problem—how to address the skyrocketing amount of energy used by today's data centers, which is impacting businesses and institutions of all sizes," said Vijay Lund, VP for cross-IBM offerings in IBM's software group.

Built at a cost of $12.4 million, the 12,000 square-foot facility generates its own power on site, for electrical, heating, and cooling systems. It houses energy efficient IBM Blade Center, Power 575, and z10 servers and is expected to use 50% less energy than a comparably sized data center using traditional power sources and hardware.

IBM contributed $5 million in design services and equipment to the project, while the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority kicked in about $2 million.

"By partnering with public and private organizations, Syracuse University will set a great example and provide much-needed resources for companies and organizations who are looking to reduce both IT costs and their carbon footprint," said State Senator David Valesky (D-Oneida), in a statement.

The Green Data Center, expected to be fully operational in January, will function as Syracuse University's main computing center. It also provides a template for IBM customers looking to build their own energy efficient data centers.

"We looked beyond conventional wisdom and looked at the broader areas of where and how to generate the electricity, how to cool the data center, and how to make the computers more effective and efficient. This unique, end-to-end focus has resulted in a smarter, cost-effective, greener data center," said Lund.

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