As companies continue to search out ways to cut data center costs, low-power processors are getting more looks and could bring a fundamental change in server architecture reports Agam Shah from Network World.

Analysts predict that low-power processors could be in full use in data centers by 2013 and if mixed with graphic chips, companies could see massive performance improvements and power savings. Power efficiency continues to be a top determining factor in server purchases. 2011 saw an increase in the build-out of cloud and high performance servers around the hyperscale model – servers are densely packed to cut power consumption. Analyst say as companies look for more power savings and continue to place more importance on performance-per-watt, they may consider low-power processors which are used, today, mostly in tablets and smartphones.

That said, there are still barriers to moving to a full low-power processing world. For example, transaction type, current processors are much more effective in handling data-intensive tasks than low-power processors. Also, current, low-power processors only support 32-but addressing and have limited correction features. Currently, some organizations are experimenting with the technology making it an interesting one to watch in 2012.