Microsoft’s Dublin Green Data Center Coverage

September 29, 2009 Dave Ohara

I’ve known about Microsoft’s Dublin data center, and now that there is official coverage, I can blog about it. The Dublin area was a good opportunity for Microsoft to push for the greenest data center.

I’ve been to Ireland many times visiting Apple and Microsoft facilities, and my name Dave Ohara so many times my name gets spelled with an apostrophe (like O’Hara). But I am not Irish even though I have kissed the Blarney stone and bought a family crest for my Dad of O’Hara. My Ohara surname is Japanese, but I still enjoy Ireland. I don’t have this problem when I go to Japan. :-)

Ohara is a Japanese surname (e. g.: 小原,尾原,大原)

The Dublin Data Center manager John Dwyer is a friend I worked before our data center days at Microsoft, and I was thinking he needs a complete coverage blog post. So here we go.

Let’s start with John Dwyer’s ex-boss Mike Manos.

A Well Deserved Congratulations to Microsoft Dublin DC Launch

September 25, 2009 by mmanos

Today Microsoft announced the launch of their premier flagship data center facility in Dublin, Ireland. This is a huge achievement in many ways and from many angles. While there are those who will try and compare this facility to other ‘Chiller-less’ facilities, I can assure you this facility is unique in so many ways. But that is a story for others to tell over time.

I wanted to personally congratulate the teams responsible for delivering this marvel and acknowledge the incredible amount of work in design, engineering, and construction to make this a reality. To Arne, and the rest of my old team at Microsoft in DCS – Way to go!

\Mm

PS – I bet there is much crying and gnashing of teeth as the unofficial Limerick collection will now come to a close. But here is a final one from me:

A Data Centre from a charming green field did grow,

With energy and server lights did it glow

Through the lifting morning fog,

An electrical Tir Na Nog,

To its valiant team – Way to Go!

DataCenterKnowledge has a post on Microsoft’s Dublin Data Center.

Gallery: Microsoft’s Dublin Data Center
September 28th, 2009 : Rich Miller

The exterior of the new energy-efficient Microsoft data center in Dublin, Ireland.

Microsoft’s new data center in Dublin will power much of the company’s global cloud computing operation, while using far less energy and water than typically consumed in other data centers of this scale. We’ve put together a photo gallery offers a closer look at the design innovations driving its efficiency, including photos of the server room and data center interior and a diagram of the free cooling system. See our photo feature,Inside Microsoft’s Dublin Mega Data Center.

The official press release for EMEA is here.

Microsoft Expands Cloud Computing Capabilities & Services in Europe

Microsoft’s new Dublin Data Centre to support demand for online services for business and consumers.

Text Videos Images Resources

DUBLIN, Republic of Ireland— September 24, 2009

Microsoft today announced the opening of its first ‘mega data centre’ in Europe to meet continued growth in demand for its Online, Live and Cloud services. The $500 million total investment is part of Microsoft’s long-term commitment in the region, and is a major step in realising Microsoft’s Software plus Services strategy.

Green Data Center is mentioned in this press document.

Case Studies

Greening the data centre, the Dublin Data Centre case study In Ireland, Microsoft has built its largest data centre outside the United States, using cutting-edge technology and an innovative approach to energy efficiency as part of an integrated strategy for environment sustainability.

Steve Clayton a Microsoft blogger has his post.

I’ve seen the cloud…it lives in Dublin

I’m in sunny Dublin today (yep, it’s sunny here) for the grand opening of Microsoft’s first “mega datacenter” outside of the US. What you may ask is a mega datacenter? Well basically it’s an enormous facility from we’ll deliver our cloud services to customers in Europe and beyond.

I had the chance to check the place out last month and have a full tour and it’s incredible. Okay there isn’t much to see but that’s sort of the point. It’s this big information factory that is on a scale that you’ll not see in many other places in the world and run with an astonishing level of attention to detail.

It’s also quite revolutionary and turns out to be our most efficient data center thus far. Efficiency is measured by something called PUE that essentially looks at how much power your use vs the power you consume. The ultimate PUE of course is 1.0 though the industry average is from 2-2.4. Microsoft’s data centers on average run at 1.6 PUE but this facility takes that down to 1.25 through use of some smart technology called “air”. Most datacenters rely on chillers and a lot of water to keep the facility cool – because of the climate in Dublin, we can use fine, fresh, Irish air to do the job which has significant benefits from an environmental point of view. Put simply, it saves 18 million litres of water each month.

I’ve spent some time today talking to press about this place and I left them with the title line – I’ve seen the cloud and it lives in Dublin.

There are data center images on the Microsoft site..

Microsoft Dublin Data Centre

Microsoft Dublin Data Centre Entrance

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Microsoft Dublin Data Centre Aerial

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Air-side economization architectural diagram

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Microsoft Dublin Data Centre Server Pods

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Microsoft Dublin Data Centre Generator Room

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Microsoft Dublin Data Centre Rooftop Air Units

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News spreads fast and google news has this listing.

Data Center Knowledge

Gallery: Microsoft's Dublin Data Center

Data Center Knowledge - Rich Miller - ‎20 hours ago‎

Microsoft's new data center in Dublin will power much of the company's global cloud computing operation, while using far less energy and water than ...

Microsoft Dublin Facility Uses Free Cooling Web Host Industry Review

Putting the heat on data center cooling costs Cleantech Group

all 3 news articles »

RTE.ie

Microsoft Set to Fire up Dublin Data Center

PC World - Jeremy Kirk - ‎Sep 23, 2009‎

Microsoft has opened up for business its new Dublin data center, a massive 550000-square-foot facility dedicated to serving primarily European customers. ...

Microsoft's Chiller-less Data Center Data Center Knowledge

Microsoft goes chiller-less in its new data center Consulting-Specifying Engineer

Microsoft Dublin data centre opens Irish Times

IRISHDEV.com

all 45 news articles »

I am constantly amazed at how others don’t reference a fraction of what I put above on the original sources of information. This post took me less than 1/2 hour to write, and I didn’t have to call anyone as all the information was publicly accessible and could be found through search engines.

Referencing other sources is a key way to get your blog post up in google search results, and it builds your social network. Now I can take this post and send it on to John Dwyer, Mike Manos, Steve Clayton and many others.

TechHermit Returns with New Authors, Speculates the end of Microsoft’s Data Center Program

September 22, 2009 Dave Ohara

DataCenterKnowledge spreads the word TechHermit’s blog continues.

Tech Hermit Blog Returns
September 22nd, 2009 : Rich Miller
Back in July I noted the passing of Shane McGew, who wrote about the data center industry at his Tech Hermit blog. So I was surprised to find new posts at the Tech Hermit blog this week.

Here’s the story: “Today we are announcing that through detailed negotiations with the McGew family a group of avid readers have purchased the rights to the Tech Hermit brand and will continue to post under this heading and keep the same edgy feedback that we came to love with Shane. We hope to earn the same level of trust and respect in time.”

Shane was always pretty plugged into goings-on in data center operations at Microsoft, a trend that continues with the new team (whose members remain anonymous). A post today notes the departure of another Microsoft data center executive, Joel Stone, who is headed to Global Switch. Stone’s departure follows the exit of Global Foundation Services corporate VP Debra Chrapaty, who is off to Cisco.

TechHermit’s latest blog entry speculates on the future of Microsoft’s data center program.

More Bad News for Microsoft Data Center Program
September 22, 2009
Following on the terrible blow that Debra Chrapaty is leaving Microsoft for greener pastures at Cisco, the program received another huge blow with the resignation of Joel Stone who was responsible for the Operations of all North America based facilities. Moreover, he is taking a prominent position at Global Switch overseeing worldwide data center operations and will be based out of the United Kingdom.

His resignation letter begins with:

“It is with mixed emotions that i have decided to leave Microsoft after 9 years. I consider the time, successes, failures, challenges, personal growth and friendships that I have gained to be something that I will appreciate and treasure for years to come. I will be moving to London to take on the Group Operations Director role at Global Switch”

Then the TechHermit staff speculates.

The many mails we have received here at Tech Hermit feel that these resignations have more to do with a failure or at least troubled integration with the various Yahoo executives integrating into the program. As you may know, Dayne Sampson, and Kevin Timmons from Yahoo recently joined the Microsoft GFS organization the latter having responsibilities for Data Center Operations previously run by General Manager, Michael Manos.

One thing is clear that after the departure of Manos, the only real voice from Microsoft around infrastructure leadership was Chrapaty. With her departure and now key operations leadership as well, we have to ask is Microsoft’s data center program done for?

The style of this blog reminds of the infamous Mini-Microsoft blog.

New Vacancy in Microsoft’s Data Center Team, VP Debra Chrapaty Reportedly Leaving for Cisco

September 21, 2009 Dave Ohara

news.com has reports that Microsoft’s VP of Global Foundation Services (aka, Data Center Team) is leaving Microsoft.

Microsoft's data center chief headed to Cisco

by Ina Fried

Debra Chrapaty, who has been leading Microsoft's data center charge, is reportedly heading to a product role at Cisco.

(Credit: Dan Farber)

One of the top executives in charge of Microsoft's data center operations is leaving the company for a product role at Cisco, according to a report on All Things D.

Debra Chrapaty, who as vice president of global foundation services is among a small number of women in Microsoft's top technology ranks, is said to be taking a role at Cisco heading collaboration products, according to All Things D. A Microsoft representative declined comment, while Chrapaty and a Cisco representative were not immediately available for comment.

…

Microsoft has confirmed the move by Chrapaty.

Update 4:05 p.m. PT: A Microsoft representative confirmed Chrapaty is leaving Microsoft for Cisco, but was not immediately able to provide further details.

The original source for the news came from All things Digital.

BoomTown

Top Microsoft Infrastructure Exec Chrapaty Heads to Cisco

by Kara Swisher
Posted on September 20, 2009 at 10:39 PM PT

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One of Microsoft’s top execs, Debra Chrapaty (pictured here), who heads its infrastructure business, is leaving the software giant to take a top job at Cisco (CSCO), sources said.

Chrapaty–whose title is corporate VP of Global Foundation Services–is also one of increasingly few top women tech execs at Microsoft (MSFT), where she has worked for seven years.

Data Center Site Selection - Are you building an Information Fortress or a Flexible Information Factory?

August 6, 2009 Dave Ohara

Mike Manos writes a long post on his blog driven by Microsoft’s recent decision to move Windows Azure out of Washington State.

The Cloud Politic – How Regulation, Taxes, and National Borders are shaping the infrastructure of the cloud

August 6, 2009 by mmanos

Most people think of ‘the cloud’ as a technical place defined by technology, the innovation of software leveraged across a scale of immense proportions and ultimately a belief that its decisions are guided by some kind of altruistic technical meritocracy. At some levels that is true on others one needs to remember that the ‘cloud’ is ultimately a business. Whether you are talking about the Google cloud, the Microsoft cloud, Amazon Cloud, or Tom and Harry’s Cloud Emporium, each is a business that ultimately wants to make money. It never ceases to amaze me that in a perfectly solid technical or business conversation around the cloud people will begin to wax romantic and lose sight of common sense. These are very smart technical or business savvy people but for some reason the concept of the cloud has been romanticized into something almost philosophical, a belief system, something that actually takes on the wispy characteristics that the term actually conjures up.

When you try to bring them down to the reality the cloud is essentially large industrial buildings full of computers, running applications that have achieved regional or even global geo-diversity and redundancy you place yourself in a tricky place that at best labels you a kill-joy and at worst a Blasphemer.

I have been reminded of late of a topic that I have been meaning to write about. As defined by my introduction above, some may find it profane, others will choose to ignore it as it will cause them to come crashing to the ground. I am talking about the unseemly and terribly disjointed intersection of Government regulation, Taxes, and the Cloud. This also loops in “the privacy debate” which is a separate conversation almost all to itself. I hope to touch on privacy but only as it touches these other aspects.

Mike ends his post with a blasphemy.

Ultimately the large cloud providers should care less and less about the data centers they live in. These will be software layer attributes to program against. Business level modifiers on code distribution. Data Centers should be immaterial components for the Cloud providers. Nothing more than containers or folders in which to drop their operational code. Today they are burning through tremendous amounts of capital believing that these facilities will ultimately give them strategic advantage. Ultimately these advantages will be fleeting and short-lived. They will soon find themselves in a place where these facilities themselves will become a drag on their balance sheets or cause them to invest more in these aging assets.

Please don’t get me wrong, the cloud providers have been instrumental in pushing this lethargic industry into thinking differently and evolving. For that you need give them appropriate accolades. At some point however, this is bound to turn into a losing proposition for them.

How’s that for Blasphemy?

\Mm

Most will ignore or be unable to react to Mike’s points as they are building their data centers as if they are fortresses. The mistake in building a fortress is the buildings don’t adapt easily to changes in social, political and technology environment.

Mike makes this point regarding Canada law.

So far we have looked at this mostly from a taxation perspective. But there are other regulatory forces in play. I will use the example of Canada. The friendly frosty neighbors to the great white north of the United States. Its safe to say that Canada and US have had historically wonderful relations with one another. However when one looks through the ‘Cloud’ colored looking glass there are some things that jump out to the fore.

In response to the Patriot Act legislation after 9-11, the Canadian government became concerned with the rights given to the US government with regards to the seizure of online information. They in turn passed a series of Safe-Harbor-like laws that stated that no personally identifiable information of Canadian citizens could be housed outside of the Canadian borders. Other countries have done, or are in process with similar laws. This means that at least some aspects of the cloud will need to be anchored regionally or within specific countries. A boat can drift even if its anchored and so must components of the cloud, its infrastructure and design will need to accommodate for this. This touches on the privacy issue I talked about before. I don’t want to get into the more esoteric conversations of Information and where its allowed to live and not live, I try to stay grounded in the fact that whether my romantic friends like it or not, this type of thing is going to happen and the cloud will need to adapt.

I agree totally with Mike’s points on the site selection, but this can be adapted to if you change the type of data center you are building. The smart data center builders are adapting their designs to leverage site characteristics and increase flexibility. Google has patented floating data centers. Microsoft has container data centers. Mobility changes the game.

How adaptable is your data center infrastructure? An adaptable infrastructure is a competitive advantage.

Washington State Sales Tax Drives Microsoft Windows Azure Servers to Texas

August 5, 2009 Dave Ohara

Mary-Jo Foley at ZDNnet picked up news on Microsoft’s decision to remove USA- Northwest from a deployment choice for Windows Azure.

Tax concerns to push Microsoft Azure cloud hosting out of Washington state

Posted by Mary Jo Foley @ 11:55 am

Microsoft is making preparations to move applications that developers are hosting on its Azure cloud infrastructure out of its Washington state datacenter, due to a change in the tax laws there.

Microsoft warned customers testing their apps on the Azure test release about the planned change earlier this week. Microsoft is readying a migration tool to help testers with the move, company officials said.

Cloud-computing and .Net expert Roger Jennings put together all the various reports and clues into a detailed August 5 post on his OakLeaf Systems blog.

Mary Jo does a good job of referencing where the news came from.

The Windows Azure team.

As Jennings noted, on August 3, the Windows Azure team announced plans to disable the “USA - Northwest” option for new Azure-hosted applications. (Existing applications that are part of the Azure beta may be allowed to remain hosted in the Quincy, Wash., datacenter, as the Microsoft blog post says. Later on, the team appears to contradict that fact, however, saying all apps and storage would be moved.)

From the Azure team’s post:

“This change is in preparation for our migration out of the northwest region. Due to a change in local tax laws, we’ve decided to migrate Windows Azure applications out of our northwest data center prior to our commercial launch this November. This means that all applications and storage accounts in the ‘USA - Northwest’ region will need to move to another region in the next few months, or they will be deleted.”

One error is she references data center knowledge this year, but it was actually a year and a half ago in Mar 2008 where Rich Miller reported on the Washington state sales tax change.

Earlier this year, there were reports that Microsoft (and Yahoo) had halted datacenter construction in Quincy. At that time, many company watchers believed the halt was likely temporary and was due to the poor economy. It turns out it was due to a Washington state tax change, as DataCenter Knowledge explained.

“Late last year Washington State attorney general Rob McKenna ruled that data centers were no longer covered by a state sales tax break for manufacturing enterprises, and thus must pay a 7.9 percent tax on data center construction and equipment.”

I wrote my own blog entry Mar 2008.

The details of what is in the interpretation are:

In their Nov. 21 written response to Holmquist, McKenna and Assistant Attorney General Suzanne Shaw found that the state law establishing the tax break intends that "manufacturing does not include 'the production of computer software if the computer software is delivered from the seller to the purchaser by means other than tangible storage media, including the delivery by use of a tangible storage media where the tangible storage media is not physically transferred to the purchaser.' As we understand it, with respect to data accessed and manipulated by the Internet companies' customers under the circumstances about which you inquire, there neither is a sale nor transfer of electronic data through a tangible storage medium."

So, if there was an energy consuming wasteful retail software facility, the companies would get the tax break. But, given they use the Internet to deliver software, no tax break. How wasteful is that?

Ultimately, this is all about Washington State going after tax revenue in a year when they are going to have shortfalls, and long term they are going to drive data centers to other states.

Here is the Windows Azure blog entry http://blogs.msdn.com/windowsazure/archive/2009/08/04/migrating-from-usa-northwest.aspx