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Green IT & the Green Gap

The first in a series. Greg Schulz is the founder of StorageIO and the author of "The Green and Virtual Data Center."

Separating green hype and green IT issues is the green gap. IT organizations in general have not been placing a high priority on being perceived as "green," focusing instead on seemingly non-green power, cooling floor space, and environmental (PCFE) issues. Part of the green gap is that many IT organizations are addressing PCFE issues without making the connection that, in fact, they are adopting green practices, directly or indirectly.

Consequently, industry messaging is not effectively communicating the availability of green solutions to help IT organizations address their issues. By addressing IT issues that include power, cooling, and floor space along with asset disposal and recycling today, the by-products are economic and ecologically positive. Likewise, the shift in thinking from power avoidance to more efficient use of energy helps from both economic and ecological standpoints.

Is "green IT" a convenient or inconvenient truth or a legend? When it comes to green and virtual environments, there are plenty of myths and realities, some of which vary depending on market or industry focus, price band, and other factors. The following are some myths and realities as of today, some of which may change from reality to myth or from myth to reality as time progresses.

Myth: Green and PCFE issues are applicable only to large environments.

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