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Gauging green

Are energy costs actually effecting change?
Network Architecture Alert By Jeff Caruso , Network World , 07/12/2007
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Just how important is the issue of green networking to you?

As site editor I get to see the stats on how many people read our stories on energy-efficient computing and networking, and the results are often disappointing. You see, it feels like environmental concerns are a hot topic, but when it comes down to it, that buzz doesn't seem to translate into people reading stories on the topic.

From a macro perspective, the issue looms large. Energy costs are high; we are all affected by that. Events like the recent Live Earth try to put the issue into focus, with messages telling us to buy compact fluorescent light bulbs squeezed in between pop music numbers.

On a micro level, we see the IEEE developing a standard for Energy Efficient Ethernet, and we see analysts like the folks at Nemertes Research calling for new data center metrics that take energy use into account, and we see the European Union mandating purchases of Energy Star-compliant office equipment.

So it would seem like the movement is picking up steam. And maybe you are thinking you (and your company) could do more to reduce energy use in your networks and data centers and help save the world. Or maybe you are guided by a less altruistic instinct, and you're thinking you (and your company) could do more to reduce energy use and save a few bucks.

But I'm not seeing a matching interest in stories that address that topic. What do you think? Are we just paying lip service to the larger discussion about saving the environment, or are we getting serious about reducing energy use? If so, how? Let me know in e-mail or in a response to this article online.

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Comments (9)
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It's not easy being GreenBy Anonymous on July 28, 2007, 4:34 pmI am glad to see an article like this. And also enjoy the added entertainment of seeing "a country divided" showing up in the posts you've received. Putting...

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Check out more green discussions hereBy Cisconet on July 17, 2007, 6:55 pmJoin the green debate at the Green Your Network blog. Go to Cisco Subnet for more Cisco news, blogs, discussion forums, security alerts, book giveaways,...

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Here is the sixth comment IBy Jeff Caruso on July 17, 2007, 11:13 amHere is the sixth comment I received via e-mail: I enjoy reading your articles, and am very happy that you seem to take green seriously. I can only confirm...

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Green computing is very important to meBy Jeff Caruso on July 17, 2007, 11:12 amHere's the fifth comment I received via e-mail: It would be fair to call me born-again green. While I have always been inclined in this way, I am only now bringing...

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lost in the barrage of informationBy Jeff Caruso on July 17, 2007, 11:10 amHere's the fourth comment I received via e-mail: Trying to go green is commendable, lofty goal however for most of us the latest security vulnerability, database...

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