Reduce Power Consumption Through Integrated Services Delivery
By Cisco Systems
Published November 2007; Posted January 2008

Abstract:

The Cisco Integrated Services Router is an integrated high-performance network infrastructure platform designed to replace multiple devices in today's existing networking environments. Businesses can consolidate six disparate devices (router, switch, voice IP private branch exchange (PBX), security appliance, application acceleration device and wireless access point) into a single platform, reducing the physical space requirements, reducing energy and cooling consumption costs by more than 76 percent, and reducing overall management expense.

Local and global green initiatives are gaining serious commercial momentum in the marketplace. More and more, executives are talking about environmental concerns and raising their priority on corporate agendas. Multiple reports from the U.N. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change show that there is increasing evidence that human activity, and particularly carbon dioxide output, is the main cause for global climate change. In response, many national governments, especially in Europe, have implemented strict controls, and many more are planned. Correspondingly, there is growing consumer awareness and concern regarding the subject. These consumer and governmental trends are placing growing pressure on corporate policy makers to reduce their carbon footprint.

Depending on the size of the business, network-related factors can provide different challenges. Most small and medium-sized businesses have neither the expertise nor the resources to invest in green IT solutions; they need guidance and support from vendors and partners. On the other hand, large enterprises tend to build up disparate networks because of mergers and acquisitions, resulting in disparate IT departments-and over time network equipment accumulates.

Cisco^® understands and appreciates that IT is critical in helping meet green-related challenges. IT-related power demands, worker travel, and e-waste are all critical areas of concern in any organization's green efforts. Cisco is committed to being an industry leader in resource conservation. As a member of the Green Grid, a consortium of information technology companies and professionals seeking to improve energy efficiency in data centers, Cisco is working to improve the green posture of data centers through improved networking systems and services.

Recognizing that branch-office needs - and related branch IT systems - also accelerate resource demands both in the data center and at remote sites, Cisco is working to improve resource usage associated with remote branch offices. Here, the Cisco Integrated Services Router serves as a strong example of Cisco efforts to ensure that branch IT systems are both fully effective and resource-efficient. An obvious way to reduce power consumption and cooling requirements in the branch office is to consolidate features and functions onto fewer branch systems. These multiservice systems also offer the added benefit of expansion as service needs in the branch heighten. The Cisco Integrated Services Router family of products does exactly that.

The following five-step program takes full advantage of the Cisco Integrated Services Router and helps you reduce the carbon footprint of your branch offices through more efficient power consumption, management, and delivery.