1122IBM is cutting costs with Linux

posted by Chris on August 1st, 2007

I’m glad that big companies and regular computer geeks alike are realizing the benefits of consolidated computing power. Virtualization tools allow so much flexibility without having to have a bunch of individual servers like we used to have. IBM has consolidated something like 4,000 separate servers onto 30 linux-based mainframes, at a cost savings of $250 million.

Thanks IBM for doing what everyone else should be doing.

Think of how much room 4,000 different server machines would take up compared to 30 mainframes that are around the size of a small closet. The mainframes have much more computing power, obviously, and they would consolidate the resources required to support their data centers by cutting power requirements for all of the infrastructure required to support the individual servers at all of the other locations.

For instance, the 4,000 servers are at 6 different locations. For the servers to operate correctly at each location, they must have routers, switches, firewalls, and other network support hardware on top of the already huge power consumption they suck down themselves. All of this takes up valuable real-estate that can be used for much better purposes.

It’s definitely a wise choice to consolidate the servers, and I’m glad that people are embracing the idea of this sort of economical and cost-effective solution.