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Many IT leaders are either using too narrow a range of metrics or have not deployed the necessary tools to get the required detail of measurement needed to effectively align data center efficiency to wider business objectives. According to data center efficiency consortium, The Green Grid, data center organizations without a clear understanding of this could face a breakdown in dialogue and understanding between data center and executive management and the board. 

Lance Rϋtimann, Vice President at The Green Grid explains: 

“It can be tempting to oversimplify metrics when reporting on efficiencies to the board. However, the problem then arises that a focus develops on a single metric, while ignoring other factors that may have a larger impact on meeting business needs. A 3D approach that takes a more balanced view would be better. 

“Furthermore, a challenge exists in the accuracy of measurement. Monitoring technology has taken significant strides forward, and many other data centers could do with a refresh – poor measurement can be as bad as no measurement in certain situations. Essentially, IT leaders need to expand from a single-metric view and include broader technical metrics and KPIs into a meaningful message for all parties to improve their understanding and support the operations message of the IT organization.” 

At DCD Zettastructure on 1-2 November in London, The Green Grid is aiming to tackle this problem and increase transparency for all parties by hosting a workshop led by Simon Brady and Lance Rϋtimann, “Translating data center metrics/KPIs into an executive management focused instrument.” Building on the success of existing metrics, leading data center experts will work together and share their feedback to establish a framework which will ultimately foster communication and provide a better understanding between internal data center organizations. 

Lance concluded: “The workshop will help bridge the gap between data center efficiency and business needs. By collating all feedback from those directly responsible and involved in the decision-making of the data center organization, we can develop a flexible data center business instrument that can address some of the difficulties faced, as well as better understanding the possible opportunities on offer.” 

Note to Editors 

The Green Grid commissioned the research, which was conducted in October 2015. The survey studied responses from 150 IT decision-makers at end-user organizations, including companies who run their own data centers as well as co-located data center providers, from across the UK, France, and Germany on data center resource efficiency.