Datacenter Consolidation and Cloud Enablement for Green IT Initiatives: Benefits for Social Factors

Abstract

This scholarly article examines the social impacts of datacenter consolidation and cloud enablement within Green IT initiatives. Beyond environmental benefits, these technological transformations yield significant advantages across multiple domains. The article explores how cloud computing reshapes employment landscapes, creating specialized roles while facilitating workforce transitions. It demonstrates how these technologies contribute to environmental justice by reducing pollution that disproportionately affects disadvantaged communities. The research analyzes how cloud enablement democratizes educational access, allowing resource-limited institutions to provide advanced computational capabilities and supporting collaborative research. Digital equity advances through reduced cost barriers, increased service availability in underserved areas, enhanced accessibility features, and cultural preservation opportunities. The article addresses policy considerations for maximizing social benefits, emphasizing integrated incentive structures, comprehensive standards, workforce development programs, and multi-stakeholder partnerships.