Implementing the Principles and Infrastructure of Cloud Computing To the Degree of IAAS

Abstract

The IT industry has recently been included as a significant actor in global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, at approximately 2-3% of emissions, roughly equivalent to the international airline industry [IUSE, 2009]. An ever increasing innovation cycle with shorter product lifecycles, exponentially increasing demand for data and processing power, and more energy intensive processing have fueled this emissions increase. We suggest a strategy that can substantially dematerialize the industry by increasing computing utilization rates through centralization of computing power, and distribution of computing as a service. This concept, cloud computing, has been emerging for the past decade, but only to a certain degree, and without any evidence of dematerialization.  As an academic demonstration, we seek to show the potential that cloud computing has to fully services the computing industry, significantly reducing material and energy consumption while enhancing performance and productivity.