IBM announced that it will consolidate thousands of computer servers onto about 30 System z mainframes running the Linux operating system.

IBM anticipates that the new server environment will consume approximately 80 percent less energy than the current set up and expects to save more than $250 million over five years in energy, software and system support costs.

“As one of the world’s largest technology providers, IBM consistently assesses how our systems can be maximized to support our employees and clients. A global account consolidation truly demonstrates that we are committed to energy and technology optimization, and cost savings,” said Sreenath Chary, Business Unit Executive, System z, IBM India/South Asia.

The initiative is part of Project Big Green, a commitment that IBM announced in May to sharply reduce data center energy consumption for IBM and its clients.  

IBM, with over 8,000,000 square feet of data center space, operates the world’s largest and most sophisticated data center operations, with major locations in New York, Connecticut, Colorado, the United Kingdom, Japan and Australia. The company anticipates that the new global infrastructure, supporting over 350,000 users, will serve as a powerful example of cutting-edge data center design for large enterprises around the world.  

“The mainframe is the single most powerful instrument to drive better economics and energy conservation at the data center today. By moving globally onto the mainframe platform, IBM is creating a technology platform that saves energy while positioning our IT assets for flexibility and growth,” said James Stallings, general manager, IBM System z mainframe. The 3,900 servers will be recycled by IBM Global Asset Recovery Services.