Abstract: An approach that manages energy in a data center is provided. In one embodiment, there is an energy management tool, including an analysis component configured to determine an energy profile of each of a plurality of systems within the data center. The energy management tool further comprises a priority component configured to prioritize a routing of a workload to a set of systems from the plurality of systems within the data center having the least amount of energy present based on the energy profile of each of the plurality of systems within the data center.

Abstract: The passage of avatars into and out of regions in a virtual universe is regulated through the use of secure communications between and among the avatar, an authority managing of the region and a trusted third party who maintains a database of avatar characteristics. Permission to move from one virtual region to another is determined based upon the avatar characteristics.

Abstract: An invention that manages insurance policies in a virtual universe is provided. In one embodiment, there is an insurance management tool including a rating component configured to assign a rating to an avatar based on a past behavior of the avatar. The insurance management tool further includes an insurance component configured to enable the use of an insurance policy to manage a behavior of the avatar in the virtual universe based on the rating of the avatar.

Abstract: An approach that manages energy in a data center is provided. In one embodiment, there is an energy management tool, including an analysis component configured to analyze an operating state of each of a plurality of systems within a data center to determine a set of systems from the plurality of systems within the data center that is currently using energy. The energy management tool further comprises a priority component configured to prioritize a routing of a workload to the set of systems from the plurality of systems within the data center that is currently using energy.

Abstract: A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium being operable to perform a thermal analysis of a data center and overlay the thermal analysis on a map of the data center to provide an overlaid thermal analysis. Additionally, the computer executable code is operable to dynamically control at least one partition in the data center based on the overlaid thermal analysis.

Abstract: A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium having programming instructions operable to perform a thermal analysis of a data center and overlay the thermal analysis on a map of the data center to provide an overlaid thermal analysis. Additionally, the programming instructions are operable to receive a user selection of at least one modeled partition location based on the overlaid thermal analysis and dynamically model a modeled partition for each of the at least one modeled partition location in the data center to create a modeled data center region.

Abstract: A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium being operable to perform a thermal analysis of a data center and overlay the thermal analysis on a map of the data center to provide an overlaid thermal analysis. Additionally, the computer executable code is operable to dynamically control at least one blower and at least one vent in the data center based on the overlaid thermal analysis to direct cool air to a section of the data center in need of cooling.

Abstract: A method implemented in a computer infrastructure having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium being operable to determine at least one data center condition and determine or estimate a current energy cost. Additionally, the method includes dynamically control a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system of the data center based on the determined at least one data center condition and the determined or estimated current energy cost.

Abstract: The present disclosure is a system and method to control illumination within a data center, so as to efficiently light areas only when necessary. A path of low level light created between the entrance of the data center and the location of the required machine to access may be provided.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to ventilation systems and methods, and more particularly to selectively configurable climate control systems and methods for use in data centers and the like. A system includes a first structural element and a second structural element spaced apart from first structural element to define a space between the first and second structural elements. The system also includes a plurality of partitions moveable into the space between the first and second structural elements and a controller arranged to control movement of the plurality of partitions.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to ventilation systems and methods, and more particularly to selectively configurable climate control systems and methods for use in data centers and the like. A device includes a support element and a plurality of ducts connected to the support element. The device also includes a manifold in fluid communication with each one of the plurality of ducts and a plurality of valves. Each respective one of the plurality of valves is associated with a respective one of the plurality of ducts. Moreover, there is at least one actuator operatively connected to the plurality of valves, which is structured and arranged to individually actuate each one of the plurality of valves.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to ventilation systems and methods, and more particularly to selectively configurable climate control systems and methods for use in data centers and the like. A method includes receiving or obtaining input data, generating at least one actuation signal to change a flow configuration of a re-configurable duct system based upon the input data, and transmitting the at least one actuation signal.

Abstract: A method and interface for providing media content to users across a network. The method includes the steps of presenting a media interface to the user that indicates the content provider for the media receiver and buffering adjacent content providers to allow the user to change providers without any delays. The selection of the content providers can be done in an initial set up step with user inputs, or automatically from the last settings on the interface of from defaults. The content provider information and locations are maintained in a registry with which the interface interacts if necessary. The interface includes a prompt for user inputs, the interface with the registry, a display for the user and a control that allows the user to select content providers. The present invention discusses a mechanism for changing digital content providers, which isn't what this invention is based upon.

Abstract: The “Grid Security Monitor” tracks the security status of resources in a grid computer system. When a client submits a job to the grid scheduler, the Grid Security Monitor creates a security contract. The security contract comprises all the security credentials needed to access the resource executing the job, as well as privacy and security requirements. The Grid Security Monitor compares the security status of the resource to the requirements of the security contract. If the security status of the resource changes or violates the security contract, then the Grid Security Monitor notifies the client. The Grid Security Monitor has a user interface that allows the client to perform a manual security validation by asking the grid management system to verify the security status of the resource.