Brian Janous to Speak on the Energy Demands of Cloud Computing Feb. 4

Brian Janous from Microsoft will discuss energy strategies in cloud computing as part of the WWU Huxley College of the Environment Speaker Series at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4 in Communications Facility 110 on the Western Washington University campus.

The presentation is free and open to the public.

Microsoft operates one of the world's largest cloud businesses in its global network of data centers. One of the key challenges that cloud companies face is how to manage the increasing appetite for energy to supply growing demand for cloud services. In his Speaker Series talk titled “Powering Microsoft’s Cloud,” Brian Janous will discuss how Microsoft is addressing these challenges, including navigating energy policy, developing renewable energy resources, and enabling new energy technologies.

As Microsoft's Director of Energy Strategy, Janous  is responsible for leading the development and execution of Microsoft’s global data center energy strategy. Janous joined Microsoft in 2011 after 12 years at Brubaker & Associates, where he assisted Fortune 500 companies with energy procurement, policy and sustainability matters. Janous holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Webster University and bachelor’s degrees in Finance and Philosophy from the University of Missouri.

The presentation will include a question-and-answer period. Anyone interested in the topic is encouraged to attend and participate.

The Huxley College Speaker Series, sponsored by Western’s Huxley College of the Environment, is intended to bring together environmentally-minded members of the WWU and Bellingham communities. Speakers address topics of contemporary environmental concern in the region and the world.

For more information, please contact Jen VanderWeyden, Huxley College of the Environment marketing coordinator at Western at (360) 650-2554 or Jen.VanderWeyden@wwu.edu