IBM to create interface for virtual world electrical control

02 August 2007

Mumbai: IBM India is planning to develop an `interface' that could control an electrical device using a switch in the virtual world of internet as part of its energy conservation initiative.

Objects like a web-cam could be connected to a virtual monitor or a real electric appliance to a virtual switch, according to a project conceived during an internship programme for students of top-notch technical and business schools at IBM India Software Lab.

IBM is embarking on a huge energy-conservation project to consolidate about 3,900 of its own servers in six locations around the world, reducing power use by about 80 per cent and saving $250 million on electricity, support and software over five years.

The programme will allow it to build an environment-friendly computing infrastructure that it could then sell to customers. The initiative is part of the company's `Project Big Green' power consumption reduction programme, proposed in May, the company said in an announcement.

Under the project, IBM will replace 3,900 smaller servers with 30 IBM System z9 mainframes running Linux and virtualisation software. The move will cut floor space needed to house the machines by 85 per cent and will conserve enough electrical power to run a small town, the company said.