Let's open with a question: what are readers' opinions on data center consolidation?  Obviously it makes a lot of sense, but how about the drive for it lately?  What are some of the key challenges that come up, and also reasons that it's worth the effort?

In any case the federal government is getting in on the push for consolidation of data center facilities, and as with anything the government does (and rightly so), it's causing controversy.  It sounds like government workers have doubts about the time frame involved, and like there's a lot of concern over consolidation resulting in jobs getting cut.  That's an important point, too - sure it's great for technology to advance, but how do we justify the jobs that are cut?  Ideas, anyone?

This article from MCP Magazine online is what inspired some of my concerns and it offers some interesting statistics. Check it out and let us know what you think about consolidation in the climate of today's data center industry and the way the current economy affects the situation.

-Elizabeth English