Calif. to cut data center space by half

Take a look at the state of California if you want a lesson on how to shrink the growing size of data centers. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has issued an executive order calling for a drastic reduction in the state's data center footprint and energy consumption and requiring all state agencies to appoint CIOs and information security officers.

It's no small order. California is trying to reduce its data center space by 50 percent by 2011, and cut its IT energy use 30 percent by July 2012.

Among systems to be consolidated: Networks, email and anti-spam and encryption services. The state plans to standardize PCs and security services across the agencies and departments. The state plans to close all server rooms housing non-network equipment by June 2013. The order calls for a massive network migration of all existing network services to a unified California Government Network by July of this year.

It's a tough order with even tougher goals, but it's a goalpost that top executives should keep in mind as the biggest state in the country looks for ways to conserve energy and get a better handle on IT expansion.

For more on California's shrinking data centers:
- see this Information Week article

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