Cloud Computing Could Become a Powerful Ally of the Green Movement

Simply put, cloud computing could also be called "remote computing". Cloud systems basically use networking to deliver computing resources to its users. As previously stated, this is in essence, merely the combining of resources into one entity. This not only affords us the opportunity to manage energy efficiency more effectively, it also gives users the opportunity to requisition more resources (like processing power) as needed. All individual machines / terminals can be setup to simply turn off when inactive for a length of time. However, the real reason that cloud computing is more efficient than its grid counterpart has to do with the way the energy is used centrally.

If you can imagine all computing resources being resigned to one central location, and then in turn distributed to individual nodes, it's not hard to see how more efficient distribution is achieved; but what about servicing it? This is yet another one of the great facets of cloud computing, its ability increase the effectiveness of IT. Because cloud computing is so highly centralized, there is no need for IT personnel to make constant trips around their company to deal with issues. This is because all the individual "systems" or "machines" are virtualized; now IT workers can basically do their job without having to leave their department.

source: http://EzineArticles.com