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Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) is a metric for measuring the overall energy efficiency of a data center facility. It is calculated by dividing the total amount of energy consumed by the facility by the energy used specifically by the IT equipment.
This metric is useful to data center managers because optimizing for it can lead to better energy efficiency, lower operational costs, reduced environmental impact, and support regulatory compliance and certification requirements.
But is it the most important metric for measuring data center efficiency?
The Rise of PUE as a Key Metric
PUE was developed by The Green Grid in 2007 and has been popular ever since due to the growing concerns of data...
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In a time where sustainability is a critical concern, data centers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of environmental responsibility.
Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) is a core metric in assessing the energy efficiency of data centers. But how exactly does PUE relate to sustainability, and what role does it play in the broader context of ecological responsibility?
Understanding PUE in the Context of Sustainability
PUE is a metric developed by The Green Grid to measure how efficiently a data center uses energy. It is calculated by dividing the total energy consumption of a data center by the energy consumed by its IT equipment. A PUE value of 1.0 is ideal, indicating perfect efficien...
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Data centers are among the largest consumers of energy worldwide, accounting for up to 3% of global electricity consumption, a figure expected to rise with increasing demand for computing power and services.
Energy consumption is a main concern in the data center industry as managers struggle to find ways to improve overall efficiency and environmental sustainability amidst the green wave of new reporting and operating regulations.
However, leveraging modern solutions can help data center operators achieve these goals by using fewer resources without introducing risk.
Common Data Center Energy Management Challenges
Managing the energy consumption levels of a data center is no easy task. T...
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On July 19, 2024, a major IT disaster struck when a CrowdStrike update caused widespread chaos. CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm, inadvertently pushed a faulty “sensor configuration update” for its Falcon Sensor software. This update caused 8.5 million Windows devices to crash. The impact was severe, affecting airlines, banking systems, and healthcare networks, and the recovery process was laborious, requiring manual intervention for impacted devices.
The disaster will cost Fortune 500 companies alone more than $5 billion. To prepare for potential future scenarios of this scale, data center professionals must be vigilant and proactive.
Be Proactive and Quick to Respond with DCIM Software...
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Network closets, often referred to as IDF closets or telecommunications closets, are small yet vital spaces that house important networking equipment, acting as the hubs that connect various parts of an organization's IT infrastructure.
Despite their significance, network closets are often overlooked and undermanaged. Poorly managed network closets can result in network downtime, reduced efficiency, and increased maintenance costs. Therefore, it is essential to apply best practices in organizing, maintaining, and securing these spaces to keep the network running smoothly and efficiently.
Understanding Network Closets
Network closets typically contain a variety of essential components, each...
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Leveraging data to enable more informed data center power management is critical for maintaining uptime, increasing energy efficiency, increasing power capacity utilization, and reducing costs.
Understanding which power metrics to monitor is the first step towards smarter data center operations. By keeping a close eye on key metrics such as current, voltage, active power, apparent power, and energy consumption, data center managers can gain valuable insights into their power usage patterns and identify opportunities for improvement.
In this blog post, we will explore the key power data you should monitor in your data center and discuss how to effectively gather and utilize this information t...
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As the demand for digital services grows exponentially, so does the need for colocation data center space. However, colocation providers are unable to keep up with this rapidly growing need resulting in limited space available for rent and skyrocketing prices.
According to CBRE, colocation rates have jumped from 14.5% in 2022 to 18.6% in 2023 to a record $163.44 per kW/month due to the restricted supply of colo space. Additionally, the vacancy rate for primary markets is at an all-time low of 3.7% with most tenants renewing leases instead of venturing out for other options.
With colocation space at a premium, do you have the tools to extract all available space, power, and cooling capacity w...
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We are thrilled to congratulate Türk Telekom for their outstanding achievement in winning the DCIM/DC Management Innovation of the Year award at the DCS Awards 2024. This recognition is a testament to their exceptional commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence in the data center industry.
The DCS Awards recognize success stories, technological advancements, and significant contributions in the data center industry. In a year marked by challenges such as sustainability concerns, skill shortages, supply chain disruptions, and the rapid evolution of AI, DCS acknowledges that the industry continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and ingenuity.
Innovating...
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Data center environmental sensors helps data center managers maintain uptime, increase energy efficiency, and remotely manage their data centers.
From temperature and humidity to other parameters like airflow, these sensors can be paired with modern data center management software to provide real-time insights and alerts, enabling proactive management and rapid response to potential issues.
There are many types of sensors and vendors on the market. If you are researching or planning to deploy data center environmental sensors, start by familiarizing yourself with this alphabetical list of some of the most popular sensors available.
Data Center Temperature Sensors
Constantly monitoring the...
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Investing in Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software is critical for modern businesses to efficiently manage their data center resources.
Without DCIM software, organizations lack comprehensive visibility into their data center infrastructure, making it challenging to identify and address issues promptly, leading to potential service disruptions. Moreover, the inability to effectively understand current infrastructure utilization and plan for future growth can hinder business agility and competitiveness in today's fast-paced market.
In this blog post, we will explore the risks of operating without DCIM software, consider the cost of DCIM software in the context of overall data...
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We’re proud to announce the general availability of Power IQ® 9.1, the latest version of Sunbird’s DCIM Monitoring software. This release includes exciting new features including load shift detection, enhanced Raritan and Server Technology bulk firmware update, and residual current monitoring (RCM) Type B.
Power IQ 9.1 Availability
This Power IQ 9.1 update is available worldwide on a subscription or perpetual license basis to all customers with valid maintenance contracts. Download the update file from Sunbird’s support portal to upgrade today.
If you would like to try a full-featured test drive of Power IQ, get your login credentials to the free online demo system now.
What’s New in Pow...
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In recent years, sustainability has become a top priority for industries worldwide, and the data centre sector is no exception. As governments strive to reduce carbon footprints and mitigate climate change, regulatory directives such as the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) are playing a crucial role in reshaping how data centres operate and manage their environmental impact.
Explaining EED and CSRD
The Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) are pivotal pieces of legislation within the European Union (EU), designed to drive energy efficiency and sustainability across various s...
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Data centers are the backbone of our increasingly interconnected world. They power everything from streaming services to AI, handling vast amounts of data every second. However, this technological advancement comes at a cost, with energy consumption being a significant concern. In fact, data center energy consumption is forecasted to double by 2026.
As we venture further into 2024, it is important to review some of the key trends around energy consumption in data centers.
AI is Driving Data Center Demand
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just posed to revolutionize data center operations; it's also fueling a surge in energy consumption since AI GPUs consume four times more energy than mo...
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It’s getting more expensive to rent space in colocation data centers.
According to CBRE, colocation rates are up 18.6% year-over-year to a record $163.44 per kW/month due to limited supply and strong demand.
Average Asking Rental Rate with Y-o-Y % Change for Primary Markets
*Rental rates are quoted asking rates for 250-500 kW at N+1/Tier III requirements. Image Source: CBRE Research, CBRE Data Center Solutions, H2 2023.
As colocation costs increase, data center professionals must understand their power pricing model, have clear goals for how they will contain costs, and implement power metering and monitoring technologies to meet their objectives.
Understanding Colocation Power Pricing Mod...
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Europe is currently striving to be the first climate neutral continent by introducing a package of policy initiatives called the European Union’s (EU) Green Deal. This deal was introduced in 2019 and focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.
The Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) was also launched which aims to decrease energy usage by 11.7% by 2030. Starting in May 2024, data centers that use more than 500kW are legally required to report on energy consumption metrics from the previous year into a European database.
In 2018, data centers accounted for 2.7% of electricity usage across the EU and could rise to 32.1% under current trends if...
Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) is a metric for measuring the overall energy efficiency of a data center facility. It is calculated by dividing the total amount of energy consumed by the facility by the energy used specifically by the IT equipment. This metric is useful to data center managers because optimizing for it can lead to better energy efficiency, lower operational costs, reduced environmental impact, and support regulatory compliance and certification requirements. But is it the most important metric for measuring data center efficiency? The Rise of PUE as a Key Metric PUE was developed by The Green Grid in 2007 and has been popular ever since due to the growing concerns of data...
In a time where sustainability is a critical concern, data centers play a pivotal role in shaping the future of environmental responsibility. Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) is a core metric in assessing the energy efficiency of data centers. But how exactly does PUE relate to sustainability, and what role does it play in the broader context of ecological responsibility? Understanding PUE in the Context of Sustainability PUE is a metric developed by The Green Grid to measure how efficiently a data center uses energy. It is calculated by dividing the total energy consumption of a data center by the energy consumed by its IT equipment. A PUE value of 1.0 is ideal, indicating perfect efficien...
Data centers are among the largest consumers of energy worldwide, accounting for up to 3% of global electricity consumption, a figure expected to rise with increasing demand for computing power and services. Energy consumption is a main concern in the data center industry as managers struggle to find ways to improve overall efficiency and environmental sustainability amidst the green wave of new reporting and operating regulations. However, leveraging modern solutions can help data center operators achieve these goals by using fewer resources without introducing risk. Common Data Center Energy Management Challenges Managing the energy consumption levels of a data center is no easy task. T...
On July 19, 2024, a major IT disaster struck when a CrowdStrike update caused widespread chaos. CrowdStrike, a cybersecurity firm, inadvertently pushed a faulty “sensor configuration update” for its Falcon Sensor software. This update caused 8.5 million Windows devices to crash. The impact was severe, affecting airlines, banking systems, and healthcare networks, and the recovery process was laborious, requiring manual intervention for impacted devices. The disaster will cost Fortune 500 companies alone more than $5 billion. To prepare for potential future scenarios of this scale, data center professionals must be vigilant and proactive. Be Proactive and Quick to Respond with DCIM Software...
Network closets, often referred to as IDF closets or telecommunications closets, are small yet vital spaces that house important networking equipment, acting as the hubs that connect various parts of an organization's IT infrastructure. Despite their significance, network closets are often overlooked and undermanaged. Poorly managed network closets can result in network downtime, reduced efficiency, and increased maintenance costs. Therefore, it is essential to apply best practices in organizing, maintaining, and securing these spaces to keep the network running smoothly and efficiently. Understanding Network Closets Network closets typically contain a variety of essential components, each...
Leveraging data to enable more informed data center power management is critical for maintaining uptime, increasing energy efficiency, increasing power capacity utilization, and reducing costs. Understanding which power metrics to monitor is the first step towards smarter data center operations. By keeping a close eye on key metrics such as current, voltage, active power, apparent power, and energy consumption, data center managers can gain valuable insights into their power usage patterns and identify opportunities for improvement. In this blog post, we will explore the key power data you should monitor in your data center and discuss how to effectively gather and utilize this information t...
As the demand for digital services grows exponentially, so does the need for colocation data center space. However, colocation providers are unable to keep up with this rapidly growing need resulting in limited space available for rent and skyrocketing prices. According to CBRE, colocation rates have jumped from 14.5% in 2022 to 18.6% in 2023 to a record $163.44 per kW/month due to the restricted supply of colo space. Additionally, the vacancy rate for primary markets is at an all-time low of 3.7% with most tenants renewing leases instead of venturing out for other options. With colocation space at a premium, do you have the tools to extract all available space, power, and cooling capacity w...
We are thrilled to congratulate Türk Telekom for their outstanding achievement in winning the DCIM/DC Management Innovation of the Year award at the DCS Awards 2024. This recognition is a testament to their exceptional commitment to innovation, customer satisfaction, and operational excellence in the data center industry. The DCS Awards recognize success stories, technological advancements, and significant contributions in the data center industry. In a year marked by challenges such as sustainability concerns, skill shortages, supply chain disruptions, and the rapid evolution of AI, DCS acknowledges that the industry continues to demonstrate remarkable resilience and ingenuity. Innovating...
Data center environmental sensors helps data center managers maintain uptime, increase energy efficiency, and remotely manage their data centers. From temperature and humidity to other parameters like airflow, these sensors can be paired with modern data center management software to provide real-time insights and alerts, enabling proactive management and rapid response to potential issues. There are many types of sensors and vendors on the market. If you are researching or planning to deploy data center environmental sensors, start by familiarizing yourself with this alphabetical list of some of the most popular sensors available. Data Center Temperature Sensors Constantly monitoring the...
Investing in Data Center Infrastructure Management (DCIM) software is critical for modern businesses to efficiently manage their data center resources. Without DCIM software, organizations lack comprehensive visibility into their data center infrastructure, making it challenging to identify and address issues promptly, leading to potential service disruptions. Moreover, the inability to effectively understand current infrastructure utilization and plan for future growth can hinder business agility and competitiveness in today's fast-paced market. In this blog post, we will explore the risks of operating without DCIM software, consider the cost of DCIM software in the context of overall data...
We’re proud to announce the general availability of Power IQ® 9.1, the latest version of Sunbird’s DCIM Monitoring software. This release includes exciting new features including load shift detection, enhanced Raritan and Server Technology bulk firmware update, and residual current monitoring (RCM) Type B. Power IQ 9.1 Availability This Power IQ 9.1 update is available worldwide on a subscription or perpetual license basis to all customers with valid maintenance contracts. Download the update file from Sunbird’s support portal to upgrade today. If you would like to try a full-featured test drive of Power IQ, get your login credentials to the free online demo system now. What’s New in Pow...
In recent years, sustainability has become a top priority for industries worldwide, and the data centre sector is no exception. As governments strive to reduce carbon footprints and mitigate climate change, regulatory directives such as the Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) are playing a crucial role in reshaping how data centres operate and manage their environmental impact. Explaining EED and CSRD The Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) and the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) are pivotal pieces of legislation within the European Union (EU), designed to drive energy efficiency and sustainability across various s...
Data centers are the backbone of our increasingly interconnected world. They power everything from streaming services to AI, handling vast amounts of data every second. However, this technological advancement comes at a cost, with energy consumption being a significant concern. In fact, data center energy consumption is forecasted to double by 2026. As we venture further into 2024, it is important to review some of the key trends around energy consumption in data centers. AI is Driving Data Center Demand Artificial Intelligence (AI) is not just posed to revolutionize data center operations; it's also fueling a surge in energy consumption since AI GPUs consume four times more energy than mo...
It’s getting more expensive to rent space in colocation data centers. According to CBRE, colocation rates are up 18.6% year-over-year to a record $163.44 per kW/month due to limited supply and strong demand. Average Asking Rental Rate with Y-o-Y % Change for Primary Markets *Rental rates are quoted asking rates for 250-500 kW at N+1/Tier III requirements. Image Source: CBRE Research, CBRE Data Center Solutions, H2 2023. As colocation costs increase, data center professionals must understand their power pricing model, have clear goals for how they will contain costs, and implement power metering and monitoring technologies to meet their objectives. Understanding Colocation Power Pricing Mod...
Europe is currently striving to be the first climate neutral continent by introducing a package of policy initiatives called the European Union’s (EU) Green Deal. This deal was introduced in 2019 and focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels. The Energy Efficiency Directive (EED) was also launched which aims to decrease energy usage by 11.7% by 2030. Starting in May 2024, data centers that use more than 500kW are legally required to report on energy consumption metrics from the previous year into a European database. In 2018, data centers accounted for 2.7% of electricity usage across the EU and could rise to 32.1% under current trends if...