Green Computing Research Project

By James C. Frazier
Part1

The purpose of this Green Computing Research Project is to research possible applications of green computing for We Are Big Incorporated. First, I want to define what is Green Computing: Environmental responsibility and sustainability in computing and/or IT systems, including overall energy efficiencies, responsible disposal of electronic waste and recycling programs, telecommuting, virtualization of server resources, thin client solutions, using open source software, and the development of new software to address green computing. In an article Harnessing Green IT: Principles and Practices, by San Murugesan defines the field of green computing as "the study and practice of designing, manufacturing, using, and disposing of computers, servers, and associated subsystems such as monitors, printers, storage devices, and networking and communications systems efficiently and effectively with minimal or no impact on the environment.”
The applications being closely researched are as follows:
• Data center and overall energy efficiency: Is a basic Energy Star program for organizations and using technology or data centers for multi-user/departmental uses. Cities teaming up with businesses to use tools like smart meters, data visualizations and even mobile technology to promote energy efficiency and urban sustainability. Quoting a report State of the World Report, by Diana Lind, April 2012, “In one instance, General Electric is helping the city of Rotterdam Germany to drastically cut CO2 emissions to half its 1990 levels by creating energy efficiency and improving water management.” Running multiple clients from one server allows a higher utilization of server processing power, smaller data center footprint, and also makes strides toward energy efficiency. In a recent study found that if companies adopt cloud computing, they can reduce the energy consumption of their IT departments and save money on energy bills. And in another development, Fujitsu unveiled its Esprimo Green, a full PC that uses zero watts in stand-by mode.
• The disposal of electronic waste and recycling: Proper disposal of electronic equipment will save money and valuable landfill space. Recycling these products can be even more valuable. Not only does this save resources, organizations can make a profit from recycling efforts. In a two year period, Samsung recycled more than 41.5 million pounds of electronics. They are the first electronics manufacturer to fulfill the e-Stewards standard for responsible e-waste handling. . Samsung launched its Recycling Direct program in October 2008 with 1100 drop-off spots currently throughout the United States.
• Telecommuting: Over the past decade, telecommuting has shown to deliver significant social, environmental and economic benefits. Many organizations have recognized these gains as a way to promote worker moral, sustainable business practices, and increase their bottom line. In “How Telecommuting Lets Workers Mobilize for Sustainability” by Daniel Walsh, he describes just how the organizations are utilizing this. “A recent survey found that less than 4 percent of U.S. private sector workers actually work from home, that figure could reach as high as 30 percent by 2019”,
• Virtualization of server resources: Cloud computing has recently been getting attention. The term describes data-processing operations being outsourced to server farms, instead of being powered on-site. These vary from websites or remotely hosted networks to digital storage space or individual documents. Cloud computing can save large U.S. companies $12.3 billion on energy use while cutting carbon emissions by 85.7 million tons annually by 2020, according to a report that tracks climate change information and was commissioned by the non-profit Carbon Disclosure Project.
• Thin client solutions: This term refers to reducing energy use, reductions in materials used, using virtualization servers, and open source software. Fujitsu unveiled a new thin client computer that cuts energy by about two-thirds. In a article by Greener Computing published in August 24, 2009. In addition to saving on procurement costs, thin client adopts cloud servers and data center computing. Thin client is a way to save on energy use from PC’s and data centers.
• Use open source software: OSS is computer software that is available in source code form. In a nutshell, Open Source is an architecturally driven approach that is not linked to any vendor/supplier. Open source is an ideal development and business model for today's online participatory, collaborative, networked culture. The open source model offers liberties to users and developers and supports true collaborative innovation. Open source software can provides accessibility, low or no upgrade or switching costs, and provide a better value in an environment that allows for everyone’s participation and competition. Companies can monetize their innovations by building on the contributions of others. This source code and other rights that normally are reserved for copyright holders. Are provided under an alternate open source license that permits users to study, change, improve and distribute software. Open source software is often developed in a collaborative fashion. Open source software is the best example of open source development. Often compared to user generated content or other open content applications. The report by the Standish Group states that adoption of open source software models have resulted in the savings of over $60 billion a year to consumers.
• Development of new software to address green computing for internal use and potential sale to other organizations: Creating a center of economic activity around technologies that benefit the environment. Testing building materials and studying chemical processes to reduce the use and generation of hazardous substances. Nanotechnology is also being used in an attempt to manipulate materials at the nanometer scale; scientists are hoping it can transform manufacturing on a global level, from government purchasing to a technological revolution. VIA is seeking to enable the next 1 billion people to get connected, by providing wider access to computing and communications technologies. The company is concentrating on empowering new, emerging markets, looking at models that reach beyond individual ownership of a PC, such as local pay-for-use facilities. Products built for such a use are characterized by ultra-efficient energy consumption and the ability to withstand heat and dust in harsh environments. Engineering higher performance computing like developing smarter software to explore parallel, multiprocessor architecture that will mean a more efficient use of hardware resources and better coding techniques. Lastly, another major aspect of green software is the development of sustainable software and the use of Open source methodologies.

In figure 1 below, is the Decision Matrix showing the criteria, weights, and scores for the Project Manager position. Summarize the findings: One page describing the weighted decision matrix and summarize the results.

Figure 2 below shows the Financial Spreadsheet to help calculate the NPV, ROI, and the year payback occurs.

Below in figure 3 is the Project Charter.
Project Charter

Project Title: Green Computing Research Project
Project Start Date: 9/26/12 Projected Finish Date: 3/21/13
Budget Information: $500,000.00

Project Manager: James Frazier, 937-252-2827, james_frazier2@student.owens.edu
Project Objectives: Research options on how to improve the environment, while increasing revenue and reducing costs.
Approach: Select project team A.S.A.P, Change Systems Manager & Process Systems Manager and 3 other members to be selected inside organization. -Signed: “Steering Committee” member Ben & Chairperson Natalie
Selecting best people In-House allowing them to work virtually on the project.
All changes MUST be approved prior to moving forward.
All Specific Times will be in G.M.T.
Roles and Responsibilities
Role Name Organization/
Position Contact Information
Project Sponsor Ben C.I.O. 1-999
Project Manager James Frazier Outside Contractor 937-626-2123/e-mail
Recycling Matt Technical Specialist 1-222
Virtualization Teresa Senior Systems Analyst 2-333 + 2 time zone
Program
Manager Ito Program Manager 1-000
Environmental Technologies Natalie V.P. Operations 1-111

Senior Consultant James Strategic Research 4-444 + 4 time zone
Research/Theoretical Specialist Le Green Computing 6-555 + 6 time zone
Sign-off: Ben, Natalie, James, Matt, Teresa, Ito, James, Le

Comments: Other personnel to be recruited In-House on a as needed basis.-Signed: Ben
All communications must take consideration into time zone differences. –Signed James F

Request changes to the project will be 2 pages. How do I plan to manage change in a timely manner, How will be involved in change control system. Any other issues? Included is the paperwork/ e-form used to collect and respond to changes.
Change Request Form

Project Name:
Date Request Submitted:
Title of Change Request
Change Order Number:
Submitted by: (name and contact information)
Change Category: Scope Schedule Cost Technology Other

Description of change requested:

Events that made this change necessary or desirable:

Justification for the change/why it is needed/desired to continue/complete the project:

Impact of the proposed change on:
Scope:
Schedule:
Cost:
Staffing:
Risk:
Other:

Suggested implementation if the change request is approved:

Required approvals:
Name/Title Date Approve/Reject

Part 2
REQUIREMENTS TRACEABILITY MATRIX
Project Name: Green Computing Research Project
National Center: Headquarters, Dayton, Ohio U.S.A.
Project Manager Name: James C. Frazier
Project Description: Green Computing Research Project is to research possible applications of green computing for We Are Big Inc.
ID Assoc
ID Technical Assumption(s) and/or Customer Need(s) Functional
Requirement Status
001 2.2.2 Energy efficiency How low can we go Testing
002 3.3.3 Responsible disposal of electronic waste and recycling programs infrastructure Testing
003 4.4.4 Telecommuting Communication, schedule, deadlines In Progress
004 5.5.5 Virtualization of server resources availability of resource, cost Testing
005 6.6.6 Thin client solutions requirement of clients, does it fit us Testing
006 7.7.7 Use open source software availability of resource, cost Testing
007 8.8.8 Develop software to address green computing compatibility Testing

Scope Statement (Version xx)

Project Title: Green Computing Research Project
Date: 10-5-2012 Prepared by: James C. Frazier
Project Justification: To help improve the environment while increasing revenue and reducing costs.
.
Product Characteristics and Requirements:
1. Address overall energy efficiency
2. Responsible disposal of electronic waste and recycling programs
3. Telecommuting
4. Virtualization of server resources
5. Thin client solutions
6. Using open source software
7. Develop software to address green computing
Summary of Project Deliverables
Project management-related deliverables: business case, charter, team contract, scope statement, WBS, schedule, cost baseline, status reports, final project presentation, final project report, lessons-learned report, and any other documents required to manage the project.
Product-related deliverables: research reports, design documents, software code, hardware, etc.
1. Compatible with windows and / or apple O/S systems
2. Consumer price (increase or decrease) & %
3. How much energy efficiency is currently feasible with current technology
4. Can the project get government funding / tax credits for any / all parts of this project?

Project Success Criteria: helping improve the environment while increasing revenue and reducing costs.

Work Breakdown Structure Template for Green Computing Project

Prepared by: James Frazier Date: 10-12-2012

1.0 Initiating
1.1 Select Team
1.2 Kickoff Meeting
1.3 Develop Project Charter
1.4 Charter Signed 2.0 Planning 2.1 Develop Project Plans 2.1.1 Coordinate with Environmental Technologies Program 2.2 Review Project Plans 2.3 Project Plans Approved 2.4 Executing 3.0 Analysis
3.1 Energy Efficiency
3.1.1 How low can it go?
3.1.2 What is current efficiency?
3.1.3 Prototype I & Prototype II
3.2 Virtualization of server resources
3.2.1 Thin client solutions
3.2.2 Using open source software
3.3 Responsible disposal of electronic waste and recycling programs
3.3.1 In-house 3.3.1.1 Cost vs. Benefit 3.3.1.2 Infrastructure
3.3.1.3 Outsource 3.4 Telecommuting
3.4.1 Savings
3.5 Virtualization of server resources
3.5.1 Thin client solutions
3.5.2 Using open source software
3.6 Design
3.6.1 Develop software to address green computing 3.7 Implementation 3.8 System Implementation 3.9 Controlling
4.0 Report Performance 4.1 Control Changes
5.0 Closing 5.1 Prepare Final Project Report 5.2 Present Final Project Report 5.3 Project Complete
Gantt Chart
Task Mode Task Name Duration Start Finish Predecessors Resource Names
Auto Scheduled 1.0 Initiating 1 day Mon 10/15/12 Mon 10/15/12
Manually Scheduled 1.1 Select Team
Manually Scheduled 1.2 Kickoff Meeting
Manually Scheduled 1.3 Develop Project Charter
Auto Scheduled 1.4 Charter Signed 1 day Mon 10/15/12 Mon 10/15/12
Auto Scheduled 2.0 Planning 0 days Sat 10/13/12 Sat 10/13/12
Auto Scheduled 2.1 Develop Project Plans 0 days Sat 10/13/12 Sat 10/13/12
Manually Scheduled 2.1.1 Coordinate with Environmental Technologies Program
Manually Scheduled 2.2 Review Project Plans
Manually Scheduled 2.3 Project Plans Approved
Manually Scheduled 2.4 Executing
Auto Scheduled 3.0 Analysis 1 day Sat 10/13/12 Mon 10/15/12
Auto Scheduled 3.1 Energy Efficiency 1 day Mon 10/15/12 Mon 10/15/12
Auto Scheduled 3.1.1 How low can it go? 1 day Mon 10/15/12 Mon 10/15/12
Auto Scheduled 3.1.2 Current efficiency 1 day Mon 10/15/12 Mon 10/15/12
Auto Scheduled 3.1.3 Prototype I & Prototype II 1 day Mon 10/15/12 Mon 10/15/12
Auto Scheduled 3.2 Virtualization of server resources 0 days Sat 10/13/12 Sat 10/13/12
Manually Scheduled 3.2.1 Thin client solutions
Manually Scheduled 3.2.2Using open source software
Auto Scheduled 3.3 Responsible disposal of electronic waste and recycling programs 1 day Mon 10/15/12 Mon 10/15/12
Auto Scheduled 3.3.1 In-house 1 day Mon 10/15/12 Mon 10/15/12
Auto Scheduled 3.3.1.1 Cost vs. Benefit 1 day Mon 10/15/12 Mon 10/15/12
Auto Scheduled 3.3.1.2 Infrastructure 1 day Mon 10/15/12 Mon 10/15/12
Manually Scheduled 3.3.1.3 Outsource
Auto Scheduled 3.4 Telecommuting 0 days Sat 10/13/12 Sat 10/13/12
Manually Scheduled 3.4.1 Savings
Auto Scheduled 3.5 Virtualization of server resources 1 day Mon 10/15/12 Mon 10/15/12
Auto Scheduled 3.5.1 Thin client solutions 1 day Mon 10/15/12 Mon 10/15/12
Manually Scheduled 3.5.2 Using open source software
Auto Scheduled 3.6 Design 0 days Sat 10/13/12 Sat 10/13/12
Manually Scheduled 3.6.1 Develop software to address green computing
Auto Scheduled 3.7 Implementation 1 day Mon 10/15/12 Mon 10/15/12
Auto Scheduled 3.8 System Implementation 1 day Mon 10/15/12 Mon 10/15/12
Manually Scheduled 3.9 Controlling
Auto Scheduled 4.0 Report Performance 0 days Sat 10/13/12 Sat 10/13/12
Manually Scheduled 4.1 Control Changes
Auto Scheduled 5.0 Closing 1 day Mon 10/15/12 Mon 10/15/12
Auto Scheduled 5.1 Prepare Final Project Report 1 day Mon 10/15/12 Mon 10/15/12
Manually Scheduled 5.2 Present Final Project Report
Manually Scheduled 5.3 Project Complete

Part 3
Write a one page paper describing 3-5 new activities in the WBS/Gannt chart.
Review recycling program to add outsource policy as an issue/ possibility.
Communication issues (time zones) in Telecommuting
Deadlines being met in telecommuting
Open Source software security

Identify four min. milestones. Write 1 page describing these using SMART criteria.
Charter Signed
Project Plans Approved
Develop Software
System Implementation

Task Mode Task Name Duration Start Finish Predecessors Resource Names
Auto Scheduled 1.0 Initiating 3 days Mon 10/15/12 Wed 10/17/12
Auto Scheduled 1.1 Select Team 1 day Mon 10/15/12 Mon 10/15/12
Auto Scheduled 1.2 Kickoff Meeting 1 day Tue 10/16/12 Tue 10/16/12 2
Auto Scheduled 1.3 Develop Project Charter 1 day Wed 10/17/12 Wed 10/17/12 3
Auto Scheduled 1.4 Charter Signed 0 days Wed 10/17/12 Wed 10/17/12 4
Auto Scheduled 2.0 Planning 20 days Mon 10/15/12 Fri 11/9/12
Auto Scheduled 2.1 Develop Project Plans 16 days Thu 10/18/12 Thu 11/8/12
Auto Scheduled 2.1.1 Coordinate with Environmental Technologies Program 16 days Thu 10/18/12 Thu 11/8/12
Auto Scheduled 2.2 Review Project Plans 1 day Fri 11/9/12 Fri 11/9/12 7
Auto Scheduled 2.3 Project Plans Approved 1 day Mon 10/15/12 Mon 10/15/12
Auto Scheduled 2.4 Executing 1 day Mon 10/15/12 Mon 10/15/12
Auto Scheduled 3.0 Analysis 113 days? Mon 10/15/12 Wed 3/20/13
Auto Scheduled 3.1 Energy Efficiency 16 days Mon 10/15/12 Mon 11/5/12
Auto Scheduled 3.1.1 How low can it go? 10 days Mon 10/15/12 Fri 10/26/12
Auto Scheduled 3.1.2 Current efficiency 5 days Mon 10/29/12 Fri 11/2/12 14
Auto Scheduled 3.1.3 Prototype I & Prototype II 1 day Mon 11/5/12 Mon 11/5/12 15
Auto Scheduled 3.2 Virtualization of server resources 25 days Tue 11/6/12 Mon 12/10/12 13
Auto Scheduled 3.2.1 Thin client solutions 10 days Tue 11/6/12 Mon 11/19/12
Auto Scheduled 3.2.2Using open source software 15 days Tue 11/20/12 Mon 12/10/12 18
Auto Scheduled 3.3 Responsible disposal of electronic waste and recycling programs 17 days Tue 12/11/12 Wed 1/2/13 17
Auto Scheduled 3.3.1 In-house 17 days Tue 12/11/12 Wed 1/2/13
Auto Scheduled 3.3.1.1 Cost vs. Benefit 5 days Tue 12/11/12 Mon 12/17/12
Auto Scheduled 3.3.1.2 Infrastructure 9 days Tue 12/18/12 Fri 12/28/12 22
Auto Scheduled 3.3.1.2.1 security 9 days Tue 12/18/12 Fri 12/28/12
Auto Scheduled 3.3.1.3 Outsource 3 days Mon 12/31/12 Wed 1/2/13 23
Auto Scheduled 3.3.1.3.1 Contractor Policy 3 days Mon 12/31/12 Wed 1/2/13
Auto Scheduled 3.4 Telecommuting 6 days? Thu 1/3/13 Thu 1/10/13 20
Auto Scheduled 3.4.1 communication 1 day? Thu 1/3/13 Thu 1/3/13
Auto Scheduled 3.4.2 deadlines 2 days Fri 1/4/13 Mon 1/7/13 28
Auto Scheduled 3.4.3 Savings 3 days Tue 1/8/13 Thu 1/10/13 29
Auto Scheduled 3.5 Virtualization of server resources 11 days Fri 1/11/13 Fri 1/25/13 27
Auto Scheduled 3.5.1 Thin client solutions 8 days Fri 1/11/13 Tue 1/22/13
Auto Scheduled 3.5.2 Using open source software 3 days Wed 1/23/13 Fri 1/25/13 32
Auto Scheduled 3.6 Design 11 days Mon 1/28/13 Mon 2/11/13 31
Auto Scheduled 3.6.1 Develop software 11 days Mon 1/28/13 Mon 2/11/13
Auto Scheduled 3.7 Implementation 1 day Tue 2/12/13 Tue 2/12/13 34
Auto Scheduled 3.7.1 System Implementation 1 day Tue 2/12/13 Tue 2/12/13
Manually Scheduled 3.8 Controlling 5.65 mons Mon 10/15/12 Wed 3/20/13 37
Auto Scheduled 4.0 Report Performance 120 days Mon 10/15/12 Fri 3/29/13
Auto Scheduled 4.1 Control Changes 6 mons Mon 10/15/12 Fri 3/29/13
Auto Scheduled 5.0 Closing 8 days Tue 3/12/13 Thu 3/21/13
Auto Scheduled 5.1 Prepare Final Project Report 7 days Tue 3/12/13 Wed 3/20/13
Auto Scheduled 5.2 Present Final Project Report 1 day Thu 3/21/13 Thu 3/21/13 42
Auto Scheduled 5.3 Project Complete 0 days Thu 3/21/13 Thu 3/21/13 43

Write one page summarizing how I am assigning work/ activity.
Write contingency strategies for making up lost time and avoiding schedule slips in the future.

Part4

Part 5
Part 6
Part 7
Part8
Part9

Works Cited
Harnessing Green IT: Principles and Practices, San Murugesan, April 2012.

How Telecommuting Lets Workers Mobilize for Sustainability, by Daniel Walsh, February 17, 2011.

New Fujitsu Thin Client Uses Just 29 Watts at Full Utilization, by Greener Computing Staff, August 24, 2009.

Samsung Recycles 41M Pounds of E-waste In Two Years, Jonathan Bardeline, October 08, 2010.

The organic farming debate is about more than just yields, Marc Gunther, The Gunther Report, May 14, 2012.

State of the World Report, Diana Lind, April 2012.

Watch out Chevy, Nissan: EVs are going open source, by Morgan Peck, April 11, 2012.
.
Why the cloud is sustainability's silver lining by Richard Baillie, July 10, 2012.