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If you consolidate the servers onto a single platform, you save the entire energy
consumption of the original server and its cooling costs, and you also have better manageability.
Consolidation wasn’t practical 5 years ago, but now virtualization has made it a reality.
Virtualization is the practice of software creating the instance of a PC on a server. This way,
multiple virtual servers can exist on one machine.
Then you load the virtual server, install whatever operating system and applications
you want, and run it side-by-side with other virtualized servers.
If this sounds like an option for your organization, we’ll explain virtualization—and
show you how to do it—in Chapter 12.

Products
Many companies offer blades. IBM, Hewlett-Packard, and Dell all have their own offerings
with their own features and capabilities.
For example, in January 2008, Dell revealed its M-Series PowerEdge blade servers,
which consume 19 percent less power and achieve 25 percent better performance per watt
than some of their competitors.

NOTE Dell also offers lead-free servers for customers who want to green up their IT departments.

Hardware Considerations

Obviously, we can’t unequivocally tell you, “Buy [such and such] computer and monitor for
all your organization’s workstations.” That’s also the case for servers, printers, and every
electronic device in your business. The reason is simple—one size doesn’t fit all. The devices
that are best for your organization aren’t best for someone else’s. That being said, there are
some guiding principles you should follow to find the hardware that will have the least
impact on the environment.
There are several factors to consider—from overall design (can it be easily upgraded?)
to manufacturing to ultimate disposal. In this section, we’ll talk about what you should look
for when buying new hardware.

Planned Obsolescence
In the previous chapter, we talked about end-of-life hardware. And part of your systems
development life cycle was planning for the end. This is also known as planned
obsolescence—realizing up front that at some day in the future, your shiny new equipment
won’t serve you anymore.
When looking at new hardware, also think about how you will dispose of it and
consider buying hardware that can be kept around longer than normal. The following are
some considerations:
• Lease and buy-back programs provide a good way to get rid of your computers if
you plan on installing new ones. In addition to formal leasing companies, you can
also find leasing programs through Dell and Gateway. Some manufacturers take
back your old machines.
• Use hardware and operating systems that are readily upgradeable.