The typical x86 server only uses 10 percent of its potential and IT departments just keep buying more.

That's the word from InfoWorld's Ted Samson based on a report from Gartner's Rakesh Kumar. Though RSC/Unix fares a bit better at 20 percent, it's still a far cry from the 70 - 80 percent attained by mainframes.

An explanation is in order . . .

So why do organizations continue to simply purchase more x86s whenever there's a perceived need for more processing power? Because the machines are inexpensive, and organizations, much like people, seem to be creatures of habits -- many of which are bad. ("This is a result of procurement processes, project budgets and the behavior of the architectural and infrastructure teams," Kumar writes.)

Chief Sustainability Officer, anyone?

[via EcoIron]