Simplicity and Efficiency in the Cloud

“By partnering with Dell on multiple green initiatives, we can help ensure that our data centers, including our new hydro-powered server facility in eastern Washington, minimize energy use. We are pleased to be using less and giving back more.”

- Chuck Geiger, Executive Vice President of Technology and Engineering, Ask.com.

Ask.com wanted to optimize the constantly increasing IT infrastructure that runs its search engine and serves up rich media search results. By standardizing on compact, energy-efficient servers with lower power and cooling demands, it minimizes operating costs, decreases deployment times and reduces environmental impact. Ask.com also sought to maximize uptime.

Dell^TM  DCS, through the Cloud Computing^TM  Solution, worked with Ask.com to design a server that requires less electricity and cooling. Deployed in Ask.com’s fast-growing data centers, along with a new self-service parts kiosk, these servers are simplifying the company’s IT administration. Through Dell’s “Plant a Forest for Me” program, Ask.com is helping to offset its carbon footprint.

Cloud Computing solution requires approximately 18%less power than the previous solution; Planned hard drive improvements expected to save 15% in power costs; On-site parts kiosk provides quick access to replacement parts, saving at least one day a month of the repair team’s time; Economical packaging minimizes waste, speeds server setup by 60%; Ask.com, through the Dell Carbon Offset program, will plant thousands of trees to offset the environmental impact of running the servers.