By: johnaw

johnaw — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 22:40:30 +0000

We have long-term problems and we are seeking long-term solutions.
This includes the need for smarter data centers for they absorb considerable resources to build and operate.
We have some serious short-term problems and they are being obscured by the focus on long-term problems and their solutions. The short-term problems need both urgent focus and urgent solutions.
We need a common sense perspective on the long-term and the short-term.
Common sense indicates we should not misallocate precious resources on long-term problems to the detriment of urgent short-term problems. This is not to say we ignore the long-term problems.
We are the stewards of all the precious resources we are provided including air, natural resources, human resources and a safe-for-life planet.
The short-term data center problems I suggest we consider urgently focusing upon are two-fold:
One, we face the risk of a severe solar storm that is projected to peak in year 2012.
We do not need another bungled Y2K effort until a strong and capable hand finally oversaw a successful transition in the last 18 months before Dec. 31, 1999.
We need to examine the possible ramifications of a severe solar storm, for we have had past examples of what can happen.
The Great Solar Storm of 1859 is an example where the HEMP E3 effect was evident as nascent telegraph offices exploded in flames from the power surges building up on the long lines.
In 2003 there was also damage to the power grid from a solar storm. This is discussed at: http://science.nasa.gov/headlines/y2008/06may_carringtonflare.htm
and http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/mystery_monday_031027.html
To be continued….
Two, and related to a severe solar storm, the risk of a High-altitude Electromagnetic Pulse (HEMP) attack grows stronger every day as rogue states and terror groups rapidly acquire the necessary component technologies.
For the past 60 years or so we have transitioned from a highly robust to HEMP vacuum tube technology to very vulnerable to HEMP solid-state technology.
While providing great benefits, the transition has ignored the risks of EMP/IEMI severely damaging or destroying our entire power grid, data centers and all electrical and electronic devices not protected against this threat and the severe solar storm risk.
We certainly need a smart grid and smart data centers. However, more importantly we need protected and fully reliable power grids and data centers.
Without a protected and reliable power grid, protected data centers and protected electrical/electronic devices we face chaos and potentially great loss of life.
This is documented by the EMP Commission testimony and unclassified reports at: http://www.empcommission.org/
We can protect against these risks and threats; however, we need to first acknowledge the risks and threats and then begin to address them.
To be continued…

Comments on: Making Data Centers Smarter

By: johnaw