Today: Microsoft wants to make data centers a thing of the past (wink, wink); Calxeda (formerly Smooth-Stone) thinks its ARM-based servers will represent the next big shift in IT computing hardware; and three neat gadgets — including one in beta — that will help you save energy now.

Microsoft: Our Goal is to Eliminate the Datacenter – Triple Pundit
Interesting stat: “85% of IT professionals have no idea how much energy their applications use.” Sounds about right…

Calxeda Readies ARM-Based Server Processors – eWeek

3 Cool Gadgets to Help You Save Energy – Reuters | Matter Network

Saving Power in the Data Center – Gerson Lehrman Group
Analyst Cliff Bell offers three high-level tips on running a greener data center.

Microsoft Exec Says Cloud Cost Savings Are ‘Too Big To Be Ignored’ – Network Computing

Solar power’s outlook grows brighter in Pittsburgh region – Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
Western PA emerges as an unlikely hotbed of photovoltaic activity.

Google adds EV charging locations to Google Maps – Gizmag
Simply cool.

Mini disks for data storage: Slanted edges favor tiny magnetic vortices – PhysOrg
An energy-saving magnetic storage storage innovation may keep the green storage wars alive.

Light Bulb Battle Heats Up and We Should Care Because…? – CleanTechnica

Ten LED Stocks, and a Wildcard – Alternative Energy Stocks
Not making any recommendations on these stocks, but it’s a good list to keep an eye on if you’re following the LED lighting market.