The servers and other devices inside your company's data center can be tremendous energy hogs. Of course, to keep your business competitive, you need to have an up-to-date and high-functioning data center, but you'll also need to trim down costs with some of these energy-slashing tips:

Try the Cloud

You might find you're reluctant to question whether you really must have all your servers powered up after you've spent the money for purchasing and setting them up. However, an honest review of your bills should determine whether it's more financially feasible to power up all servers or work through a cloud-based system. The cloud could not only cut costs but clear space. If you're seriously concerned about the private nature of your data, look for companies which are able to provide private clouds for your business and monitor usage.

Think in White

Part of the energy problem you're experiencing could, surprisingly, be rooted in the colors you've chosen. Where white can reflect roughly 80% of all light in any space, black reflects less; yet many offices continue using black equipment and racks and using less efficiently. White racks or equipment will enable you to spend less on lighting, so paint racks white and start to pick up pieces which are white in color whenever possible.

Get Distribution Equipment

Power distribution units will keep your energy usage well in check. These small units constantly operate to monitor and reduce energy usage at appropriate times. They ensure that any energy transmitted is a result of need rather than allowing voltage to spike without limits. Your equipment will receive adequate energy, but the distribution units are always going to prevent excessive consumption. Utility bills can begin to flatten out.

Have Professional Assessments

Data center professionals are sometimes the best partners when you have to keep costs manageable. They can walk through your data center and examine the way the equipment is placed, how they're powered and assess whether the center's layout is best for premium airflow. They'll recommend any changes and let you know what you've done right. This kind of periodic feedback is worth every penny because it will be saving you money over the long haul.

Whatever you do to upgrade and enhance energy efficiency, keep checking bills each month to get a feel for what's been successful. Ask a professional business data center for guidance, advice, and tips for improving the data center.