As we discussed in Part 1, defining true data center energy efficiency is challenging. Existing metrics examine the data center as a building, but the argument can be made that a data center is much more than that. A data center is a service that, in a general sense, provides hosting. Hosting of IT equipment and hosting of IT related services.

Therefore, true data center energy efficiency, from a purely physics perspective, must be based on useful work done. So the question is, what is the useful work that is being done in the data center? And furthermore, the cloud? Many may argue that the cloud is much more energy efficient than the data center, but that may not necessarily be true.

For more on this topic and what it means in terms of data center energy efficiency and sustainability, check out our recent webinar titled, Data Center Energy Efficiency and Sustainability: Examining the Key Elements and Planning for a Path Forward.