It’s really exciting to be able to share a new network service capability, this one is distinct and complementary to our existing Update Connection. I’d like to introduce the Eco Connection – power management for your data center assets. (Go direct using the link above, or navigate by going to My Sun Connection, click the “Fresh Tools” tab, then click the Eco Connection link.)

Here’s a snapshot of the capability at work.

Power Consumption for a server

Temperature of the CPU for the same server

This capability capitalizes on work done in Sun Labs around the continuous system telemetry harness conceived by Kenny Gross and team. What we do is collect telemetry from sensors resident in computers, establish baselines, then compare the telemetry patterns to patterns we’ve collected that are known good and bad.

For instance, if CPU temperature is climbing but power consumption and workload stay constant (as in the above images,) we have a nascent failure mode to identify. We can model this situation by covering an air intake with something as small as an index card. It turns out that MTBF is highly influenced by factors like elevated temperature over time – even slight elevation of temperature.

Another great advantage to this capability is being able to aggregate and trend power consumption at an application service level and data center level.

This isn’t finished, we’ll continue to enhance it over the coming days, weeks, and months adding data for our new T2000 and x2100/4100/4200 servers, power conditioning equipment, and non-Sun equipment in the data center. I invite you to visit often to see how we’re progressing.

One thing we’re hoping you notice is that we’re rolling these things out and letting you get a feel for them early in the development lifecycle. Expect to see more and different capabilities show up in the very near future. Tell us what you think, good or bad, and we’ll factor it into our plans.

Ever wondered what those antennae were mounted on freeway signs? Or what the rectangular cuts in the roadway were? Well, they’re probably sensors. Ever wondered how they’re used? Here’s a great example: 511.org and another CalTrans Realtime Traffic Cameras.

Here’s a realtime traffic load map from 511.org:

You can also meld technology like route planning with real-time sensor information to factor the most time effective way to get to your destination. Pretty cool stuff.

Earlier this week Jay posted a great blog entry on the ChampionChip – a sensor for the athlete. Wouldn’t it be interesting to mix that capability into vehicles and combine it with the services and sensors from 511.org? Those of you who are privacy sensitive are likely saying “no freaking way!” As with all tools, it can be used for good and evil. I think the overall good outweighs the evil potential.

Yesterday Intel announced a $1B initiative to help get children connected to the net and promote collaborative learning. I applaud them for this commitment and effort and for following Sun’s lead in working to bridge the digital divide. However, I can’t help wondering why Intel wouldn’t simply join the One Laptop per Child initiative already established….

Call me cynical, but I think this show of corporate philanthropy *might* have something to do with the fact that OLPC is targeting $100 per unit (using whatever is cheap and reliable) vs. Intel’s $400 price point (using Intel components.)

If you read this blog at all, you know one thing I do is travel. I make every attempt to minimize travel as it is very disruptive to my personal life, but sometimes it’s necessary. Earlier this week while driving into the office listening to the radio, I heard a story about “stand-up seating.”

You have to admit, it’s the next “jumbo shrimp” in terms of good oxymorons…but I digress.

Here’s the summary: Airbus allegedly has been reviewing this idea for it’s new A380 aircraft for service in Asian markets. You have to admit, it would help them live up to their name. (An aside, the Airbus website leaves alot to be desired. It’s a resource pig and slow. I’m sure someone thinks it’s pretty, but jeez, make it accessible and useful first.)

Airbus denies that they are doing any such thing. Time will tell. Who knows, standing up might be better than being wedged into current seating. I remain skeptical.

I recently received my OnStar monthly update. A screen shot of the summary is presented below:

I really like this summary, it’s clear, concise and actionable. Here’s a close-up of the Maintenance Section of the report:

As you can see, everything looks like it’s going well (although, one item that’s not monitored needs some service – huge windshield crack courtesy of a gravel truck on 101.)

The Diagnostics section is interesting, looks like I need to schedule some service. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a web-based way to schedule the appointment?

Finally, notification section which has affiliated subscriptions (need to reactivate XM Radio.) All the info is there, it is stunning that the reactivate link doesn’t take advantage of the fact that the info was there.

Stay tuned, I’ll provide more updates as I use the service. I’m hopeful, that tomorrow you’ll get some info from me on one of our new Network Services. Hint: Check the Fresh Tools Tab on My Sun Connection.