SPEC updates Server Efficiency Rating Tool (SERT)

New version of the standard tool used in EPA's ENERGY STAR for Computer Servers v2.0 program provides greater ease of use and support for wider range of system configurations

GAINESVILLE, Va., March 10, 2015 — The Standard Performance Evaluation Corp. (SPEC) has released a new version of its Server Efficiency Rating Tool (SERT) software that delivers greater ease of use and support for a wider range of system configurations.

SERT software rates energy efficiency of single- and multi-node servers across a broad span of configurations. Since its introduction two years ago, SERT testing has been a mandatory part of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) ENERGY STAR for Computer Servers v2.0 specification.

An increasing impact

"SERT software helps computer manufacturers develop more energy-efficient products and enables datacenters to reduce energy consumption," says Steve Ryan, who oversees EPA outreach activities for ENERGY STAR certified information technology products. "We expect standardized SERT testing to have an increasing impact not only within the ENERGY STAR program, but for energy-related agencies worldwide."

Major improvements in the new SERT 1.1.0 software include:

Automated determination of correct current and voltage ranges.
Full GUI support for multi-node (multi-server) and multi-power-analyzer configurations.
More extensive warning messages to help ensure compliant testing results.
Support for a wider range of system configurations and processor architectures.
Reduced measurement time for systems with high core/thread counts.

"SERT development continues to be driven by customer feedback and a highly collaborative process among users, the SPECpower committee, the EPA and international agencies," says Klaus-Dieter Lange, SPECpower committee chair. "The enhancements in SERT 1.1.0 software make it more accessible to a wider group of users with varying server configurations."

Cooperative development

The SPECpower committee that develops SERT software includes representatives from AMD, ARM, Dell, Fujitsu, HP, IBM, Intel, Microsoft, Oracle and the University of Wuerzburg. Veteran SPEC benchmark developers Greg Darnell and Karl Huppler are supporting contributors. The EPA provides regular high-level policy and directional guidance to the SPECpower committee, and other organizations around the world contribute input and feedback.

Available immediately

SERT 1.1.0 software is available immediately from SPEC for $2,800. Discounts are available for qualifying non-profit research and academic organizations. Current licensed SERT users are eligible for a free upgrade. SERT requires a SPEC-accepted power analyzer and temperature sensor. Visit www.spec.org/sert/ for more information.

About SPEC

SPEC is a non-profit organization that establishes, maintains and endorses standardized benchmarks and tools to evaluate performance for the newest generation of computing systems. Its membership comprises more than 100 leading computer hardware and software vendors, educational institutions, research organizations, and government agencies worldwide.

###

Media contact:

Bob Cramblitt
Cramblitt & Company
919-481-4599; info@cramco.com

Company, product and service names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation