IBM's Blade Server Meter-ReaderIBM's Blade Server Meter-Reader

In a clear sign that power consumption continues to be a top concern for IT, IBM has upgraded its PowerExecutive energy-management technology for blade servers. A plug-in for Director, IBM's systems-management console, PowerExecutive monitors and displays how much power each blade is using and how hot it is.

"Unless you've done some fancy metering, all you know is a lot of electricity flows into this room," says Dan Olds, a principal analyst for the Gabriel Consulting Group. "You don't know what systems are using it, what's more efficient, what's less efficient."

PowerExecutive runs only on newer blades; older servers lack the necessary built-in sensor. --Sharon Gaudin, [email protected]