Forrester Research seems to be the best in position to investigate the link between cloud technologies and Green Computing. Like many other companies, Forrester agrees that there are more approaches that can be done to make cloud computing more energy efficient. For this to be possible, both IT professionals and infrastructure should be committed to make the right strategies for the private cloud infrastructure they are developing.

The firm came up with the following guidelines that can be followed in support of Green IT. This is outlined and released in their report last June, entitled: “Cloud Computing Helps Accelerate Green IT.” Forrester said that the outline will give IT professionals a number of clear suggestions on how they can make their cloud computing more eco-friendly, whether that is for a private or a public cloud.

Data Center Powered by Renewable Energy that Uses Efficient Cooling Methods

These are important areas to consider and ask whether a provider uses hydro, solar or wind electricity sources. Keep in mind also that an efficient cooling system should be able to run without any cooling system during the cold months of the year.

Mobile Data Center Approach

Any cloud platform should follow the principle of use as-you-go, meaning, that the facilities are only utilized or provisioned as necessary. This will positively keep utilization rates high without letting performance to suffer.  Providers with the green certification such as the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) developed by the US Green Building Council, is an example of a provider that keeps the green IT thrust in their infrastructure.

Energy Efficient Power System

This is to add up to the point in using renewable energy methods, here it is suggested that other than the uninterruptible power supply, users are now to consider their power distribution units and use of economizers.

Convergence

Using blade architectures that will allow convergence of the server, storage and other infrastructure will definitely be more energy saving, plus a lot easier to manage.

Virtualization

Forrester says that only the companies that have been virtualized and automated by 76% to 100% are actually the ones actively supporting the Green IT.

Energy Management

This entails that energy supply and usage need to be evaluated, then properly managed. Heavy workloads during the day need to be established because this is where bulk of the energy usage will be moved and utilized. This will not only support Green IT, but companies will also enjoy lesser charges per kilowatt hour.

Goal Setting

The first step to making the infrastructure more flourishing and in support of Green IT is to sit down to make a plan and determine a specific course of action to take. These goals should include: procurement of the most energy saving cloud provider, the best automated services available and a clear-cut plan on technology disposals that are according to the existing electronic-waste policy standards.

Any computer or business IT solutions should remember the suggestions above and make huge steps to support Green IT.