Pro-bono IT helps WWF save power

HP and local IT infrastructure provider Oriel Technologies have presented WWF-Australia with pro-bono services and hardware needed to implement virtualisation.

(Credit: panda immage, by mozzercork, CC2.0)

WWF-Australia, the local arm of one of the world's largest conservation organisations, wanted to upgrade its datacentres' IT systems from a multi-vendor platform and install energy-efficient technologies to reduce energy consumption and operational and support costs.

It has replaced previous Sun and IBM technologies with HP BladeSystems running VMware, HP EVA Storage Array Networks and HP ProCurve switches.

"As a conservation organisation we wanted to lead by example, using more energy efficient technologies that would reduce our power draw," said Paul Molloy, chief financial officer of WWF-Australia.

"Also operating as a not-for-profit, it is important for us to minimise the operational costs of our IT so that we can put more of our resources towards our conservation efforts."

HP provided the products and technology for the system upgrade, while Oriel took on the task of implementation and will provide continuing IT support. The foundation paid $100,000 for the server, storage and switching infrastructure. HP donated 20 HP 5740 terminals, while Oriel provided pro-bono services.

HP and Oriel still have some work to do, with future plans including Oriel bringing in HP thin clients next month that will further reduce energy consumption and allow WWF-Australia to easily increase its desktop fleet each year.