Energy consumption isn’t just a thing of worry for electronic appliances; data centres and your business networks can give you more worry than anything else. Think about the various things that eat into your business costs: escalating energy consumption costs, cooling equipment, and servers. Network components nibble into your energy costs too. Here are some tips to keep your costs under control:
When you don’t need it, don’t run it
This could look like out of a text book but it makes tremendous sense for businesses today. One look at where the costs go in running IT networks for businesses and you would know why this tip makes for the top of the list. Consolidate connections, unplug unused servers, and switch off unused computers or networking equipment like switches, routers and workstations. If you have old, outdated and inefficient equipment, switch to new, efficient ones.
Do you use PoE (Power over Ethernet)?
While you can’t run servers and workstations with Power over Ethernet (PoE), you could use it to run IP phones, wireless devices (access points), IP cameras, etc. You will not need PoE for everything within your network but it helps reduce your main power consumption a great deal. Configure PoE off for switch ports that don’t use PoE as primary source. If you have VoIP and IP surveillance as a part of your main IT network, PoE alone could contribute to stellar savings on energy.
Do an audit or review of your network’s energy consumption
Getting down on your knees and inspecting each element of your network to analyze power consumption might sound like a laborious or even herculean task but it still fetches you results. Look for various ways to reduce costs where both the problems and solutions might just depend on your common sense. Review the entire network, think of upgrading network equipment where needed, and even bring about operational changes that could help you axe costs.
You have to measure it to know it
Most businesses think radical or don’t think about it at all. It’s usually the first step for energy consumption analysis. Think about the energy supply, energy utilization and efficiency. If blessed with too much supply and under-utilization causes a fall in efficiency. If your utilization isn’t as much the energy supply or the resources you marshalled, cut down on the supply itself. If the business demand warrants it, fill in the demand to match the supply. It’s simple; yet very efficient. Put systems in place to measure your energy usage and you will find it easier to save it.
Are your energy costs pushing you back? Do they hurt your business? Tell us about it by commenting here. We’d love to hear from you.
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