Data centers are abundant in the United States and around the world, with an elaborate network of servers hosting everyday functions like email, Facebook, and Google searches. Companies also use them to keep track of spreadsheets, databases, bank information, and corporate payroll. As heavily used as servers are, most people are unaware that there is a growing problem of “zombie servers” haunting data centers night and day, sitting idle and unused, no longer performing but still powered on and, in turn, consuming billions of dollars in energy. Of the 12 million servers in the US, at least 30 percent are at zombie server status—a number so frightening it gives George Romero a run for his money.
Zombie Servers Lurk Undetected
Considering how central servers are to daily life both at home and in the office, it might seem like better attention would be paid to this issue. The country’s heavy use of data centers is likely part of the problem of zombie servers, however. With so many servers running at once, it’s easy enough for those in charge of them to ignore the problem, particularly when there is no incentive to correct it. Many owners are hesitant to power off their servers on the off chance that they’re actually doing something important that goes overlooked. However, the overarching problem comes from businesses lacking the motivation to survey their own equipment and pull the plug on their zombie servers. This is compounded by the fact that most servers use only up to six percent of their capacity, meaning there is also very little usage consolidation happening. Server users are basically endlessly feeding a fleet of comatose mechanical brains.Zombie Servers Are Energy Vampires
Energy waste is an ongoing crisis globally, but the United States is contributing toward a hefty percentage of the damage through letting servers go untapped. There are around 10 million zombie servers worldwide, and the United States is responsible for 3.6 million of those. Such highly concentrated energy expenditure not only generates millions of tons of carbon emissions, but also wastes capital. Businesses running unused servers are slapped with excess power bills that American taxpayers often help subsidize, but the cyclical nature of turning a blind eye persists in spite of numerous good reasons to cut back on zombie servers.Electronic Recycling: Incentive to Kill the Zombie Servers
Data center decommissions can seem daunting, but there are some solid benefits to hiring a certified electronics recycler to de-install servers before they become zombies. For one, electronics recycling can provide companies with fiscal returns on their investments in server equipment, provided the servers are still relevant for reuse. In the long run, it’s smart to plan ahead and get back some of the money from old or off-lease equipment before it actually costs money to haul off. Additionally, recycling old, unused servers can guarantee data security. No company wants sensitive data put at risk by careless handling or dumping the old equipment, since even after wiping it clean, the information can still be accessed. Electronics recycling companies that are certified and reliable should offer data destruction services to ensure the data is irretrievable and that the servers are completely secured. Finally, it’s good for a company’s bottom line to choose ecologically-sound practices in every step of the way, including by drastically reducing energy consumption and choosing recycling over landfill contributions. A data center decommission and the subsequent recycling of the servers is something for a business to proudly display, generating a positive image—and reality—of the company as environmentally conscious.