Green tech: Wi-Fi, not storage, is the power hog, researchers say

April 14, 2013

Cloud service providers have previously drawn ire from environmentalists for not being transparent when it comes to the energy efficiency of their data centres. However, a new report from the University of Melbourne in Australia says that the real sustainability threat comes not from the growing demand for data centers to house cloud-ready infrastructure, but from the rising use of cellular and Wi-Fi networks to access cloud services. CEETKerry Hinton A 2012 report produced by Greenpeace titled "How Clean is Your Cloud?" argues that three of the biggest businesses delivering cloud-based offerings—Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft—are "rapidly expanding without adequate regard to source of electricity, and rely heavily on dirty energy to power their clouds." [ Keep your finger on the pulse with the latest developments in mobile technology—such as phones and tablets—in Computerworld's Mobility & Wireless newsletter.] To read this article in full or to leave a comment, please click here

Link: http://www.computerworld.com.au/article/458439/cloud_real_ecological_timebomb_wireless_data_centres/#tk.rss_all