Chasing idle server storage is one kind of a challenge for companies, especially big firms, but reducing servers buidlings are one of the most important steps.

An idle server is basically not delivering any computing power. To be clear, an idle server is not to be confused with a server that is experiencing downtime. As a rule of thumb, if the server hasn't relayed information or computing services within the last six months, then it should be considered idle.

As a consequence, idle servers are a problem: they use energy for nothing and are expensive. Servers are using roughly between 150 and 200 watts per hour when they are idle (just under an active server). If we use the figure above, you can reckon that idle servers are extremely negative for the environment (and your wallet!).

Best way to chase down such servers is practically using dedicated solutions. Companies can deploy either DCiM (DataCentre Infrastructure Manager) that can provide an accurate overview of the datacentres' optimization/status, or PDU (Power Distribution Unit) that can display all real-time data related to the datacentre and help you make the right choices.

Keep in mind that any action abovementioned for servers is also valid for Virtual machines in software development in general. As they are server-like IT environment, all incentives here can be followed for their deployment and maintenance too.

If your company is contracting with third-party server provider, please have a look at below "Choose a green host" section!