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1: The Importance of Green IT 13

Data deduplication offers other benefits. Lower storage space requirements
can save money on disk expenditures. The more efficient use of disk space
also allows for longer disk-retention periods, which provides better recovery
time objectives (RTO) for a longer time and reduces the need for tape back-
ups. Data deduplication also reduces the data that must be sent across a
WAN for remote backups, replication, and disaster recovery.
Data deduplication uses algorithms to dramatically compress the amount
of storage space needed. Many organizations deal with increased scrutiny of
electronically stored information because of various regulations; this need to
preserve records is driving significant growth in demand for storing large sets
of data. Depending on the type of information compressed, deduplication can
enable a compression rate of between 3:1 and 10:1, allowing businesses to
reduce their need for additional storage equipment and associated tapes and
disks. Many businesses are already using the technology. Application effi-
ciency as part of green IT strategy is discussed in Chapter 2.

6. Make Use of Rebates and Incentives

More utility providers offer rebates or other incentives that encourage ptg
businesses to update equipment and adopt efficient operational practices that
can help reduce peak and total power demands. Companies doing this
include Pacific Gas and Electric in San Francisco and Austin Energy in
Austin, Texas.
New electric power-generation stations are very expensive, and power
companies are more than willing to avoid building new capacity. Thus, the
power companies encourage data center efficiency through rebates and other
incentives. Also, the organization’s facilities team doesn’t have to build as
much new data center space. The IT organization and engineering groups get
new equipment that is smaller, cooler and faster than before—and everyone
ends up happy. The roles of government and energy utility rebates and incen-
tives are the subjects of Chapter 4, “The Government’s Role—Regulation
and EPA Activity,” and Chapter 5, “The Magic of ‘Incentive’—The Role of
Electric Utilities.”