• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

IBM Launches Virtual Green Data Center in Second Life

Posted on: Tuesday, 16 September 2008, 12:00 CDT

IBM (NYSE: IBM) has announced a three-dimensional Virtual Green Data Center (VGDC) that gives visitors a chance to learn how to manage and improve their data center energy efficiency without leaving the office. The VGDC, the world's first interactive green data center, is on the IBM Virtual Business Center Island in Second Life(R) and was demonstrated at the Virtual Worlds Expo in Los Angeles, September 3 & 4.

Last year, IBM launched a $1 billion initiative to address the critical issue of energy efficiency in IT environments. As part of the initiative, IBM has created this virtual exhibit, in place of a physical briefing center, as a way to demonstrate IBM's leading eco-friendly technologies covering energy efficiency, virtualization, and resiliency.

Through the use of avatars, visitors are able to explore the green data center by taking a self-guided, individual, or group tour. The VGDC is available 24 hours a day and, with IBM's Virtual Business Center staffed by live multi-lingual sales avatars five days a week, it is very easy for visitors to get the information and answers they need.

Part of IBM's Roadmap to a Green Data Center, the VGDC enables clients to get the experience of walking through a data center, without the travel costs associated with a physical visit. In addition, this opens up the doors of a data center to a larger audience who, due to security or other restrictions, might never be able to enter a real IBM data center.

The immersive experience and interaction help simplify the understanding of complex concepts and processes, such as:

 --  Energy management and efficiency --  Power and cooling solutions and heat exchange --  Data center and lab services 

As energy costs continue to rise and additional expense control pressures are applied, Web 2.0 technologies like the VGDC become increasingly important as a means to increase productivity and control costs. Based on the number of in-person visits to physical briefing centers, IBM estimates the use of the VGDC as an alternative could provide millions of dollars in cost savings to IBM customers in travel expenses and to offset CO2 emissions.

"The VGDC is as green as it gets," said Joanne Bald, program director, ibm.com 3-D Internet. "It allows our customers and potential clients to interact with IBM's green portfolio in a very environmentally-friendly way. No airplanes burning fuel or rental cars... not even the hassle and time of travel arrangements."

The center provides a flexible, relaxed atmosphere for visitors to learn at their own pace. It is available for on demand education and client briefings any time from anywhere with a computer and an Internet connection.

 --  Learn more about the Virtual Green Data Center and how IBM is addressing soaring energy costs by watching this webcast. --  For more information about the IBM Green Data Center: www.ibm.com/press/greendatacenter 

 Contact information: Jim Keller IBM Media Relations jkeller@us.ibm.com 914-765-5580  

SOURCE: IBM

Source: MARKET WIRE

More News in this Category