ODCA provides guidance on carbon data for cloud providers
March 2, 2012
Companies issuing requests for proposals for cloud services can now tap into information on Carbon Footprint, IO Controls, Provider Assurance, Security Monitoring and VM Interoperability.
These are the five usage models that feature in reports from the Open Data Center Alliance, a body set up to develop a standards based approach to cloud computing service provision.
Within the guidance offered on Carbon Footprint, the ODCA says ‘This Usage Model establishes an open standard approach for measuring the carbon footprint of services provided from the cloud.’…
On carbon footprint calculation the ODCA proposes that providers must reveal the amount of carbon created within a Service Catalog and measured based on recognized standard approaches that are sufficiently verifiable. "It is also expected that a multi-vendor and consistent approach across data center providers be available for subscriber review," it said.
It is expected that providers of cloud services offer access to the carbon measure in two ways: “Within the Service Catalog, attached to price lists, so as to allow prediction and comparison of CO2. And actual amounts summarized to customers via a portal and/or with their monthly bill.”
Several advantages for cloud service clients are predicted: “The measure will allow the organization subscribing to the cloud services to consider either shifting the workload to other suppliers with a lower footprint, or to low-carbon countries (where acceptable), or applying “follow-the-moon” techniques; Analyze carbon production over time to aid in planning and implementation of green IT policies; Provide audits and reports to corporate and regulatory bodies on their green and carbon profiles.”
“The publication of RFP language and online tools help speed adoption of cloud solutions based on Alliance requirements," said Mario Muller, Vice President IT Infrastructure, BMW Group. "These new tools will make the decision process smoother and easier for members."
Calculation
The ODCA says the amount of carbon produced by cloud provider on behalf of a customer can be calculated by measuring the amount of equipment used – in standard measurements X kWh X energy overhead of the data center X carbon emission of the electricity sources + transmission losses.
However the alliance says further work on standardised approaches are required to refine the model and offered 11 points to be addressed including agreements on a recommended default methodology which will be worked on between the ODCA possibly in conjunction with The Green Grid. Standard service guidelines and methods need to be developed for Service Order Workflow; Service configuration associated with PUE; PUE Calculation Engine with Location Reporting; Carbon-aware service scheduler; Per virtual machine (VM) performance and power measurement; Per node thermal sensors, power monitoring and power consumption
Security
Focusing on the security aspect of cloud provison with reference to the security guidance offered, Adam Bennett, Chief Information Officer, National Australia Bank said: "The financial services industry is focused on ensuring secure control of data and related infrastructure at all time. To fully take advantage of cloud solutions, our security SLAs must extend across all computing environments regardless whether using a dedicated cloud service available via a private cloud or a service shared with other subscribers via a public cloud. The security provider requirements specified by ODCA provide a great step forward towards our goal for secure delivery of cloud solutions."
Each detailed usage model is available in PDF form and can be accessed here.