How can a green cloud benefit business? A strategic analysis.

Details

Supervisors

Belleflamme, Paul ; Dr. Strang

Faculty

Louvain School of Management

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur de gestion, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

Cloud computing represents on-demand network access to shared information technology resources. Thereby, the cloud model can be provided with minimal management effort by the service provider and is composed of several characteristics, delivery models, and deployment models. Furthermore, the cloud is the enabling technology for the accelerated digitization of tomorrow’s applications and their datafication. The demand for this technology is expected to increase six times by 2030 which increases the energy consumption of its data center hosts. However, in the climate change debate, cloud computing is two sided. It can be either seen as one of the causes of environmental problems or as part of the solution in addressing them. In the latter case green cloud computing is particularly relevant. But a rethink of how we use our resources in information technology is urgently needed, as there is no alternative to establishing a sustainable cloud. This work examines the scientific knowledge of green cloud computing through a semi-systematic literature review. The main contribution is the identification of a necessary change within a second wave of optimization initiatives. This must consider all stakeholder perspectives to make the technology sustainable and applicable in the long term. Over the past decade, the first wave of scientific efforts focused on optimizing the hardware and software of data centers as hosts of clouds. But due to the scarcity of fossil fuels and rare resources, these efforts will not sufficiently meet the future demand for cloud services. Therefore, environmental friendliness and profitability are inextricably linked in the cloud industry. In the following discourse, the missing perspective of consumers and their incentives for a green cloud is integrated into the discussion. This is done by examining internal as well as external incentives as innovation drivers to accelerate the green transformation. Finally, this paper discusses further research approaches and opportunities to advance the needed and inevitable green cloud transformation.