Server Efficiency Rating Tool (SERT)^TM

The Server Efficiency Rating Tool (SERT) was created by Standard Performance Evaluation Corporation (SPEC), the world’s leading organization for benchmarking expertise, at the request of the US Environmental Protection Agency. It is intended to measure server energy efficiency, initially as part of the second generation of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ENERGY STAR for Computer Servers program. Designed to be simple to configure and use via a comprehensive graphical user interface, the SERT uses a set of synthetic worklets to test discrete system components such as processors, memory and storage, providing detailed power consumption data at different load levels. Results are provided in both machine- and human-readable forms, enabling automatic submission to government-sponsored certification programs as well as both summary and detail reports for use by potential customers.

The EPA’s ENERGY STAR for Computer Server Specification version 2 and SPEC

SPEC applauds the EPA for its goal to drive toward greater energy efficiency in IT Equipment, and SPEC considers the EPA ENERGY STAR Program an industry partner in this effort. The development of an Active Mode Efficiency Rating Tool is an essential component in the ongoing effort to reduce worldwide energy consumption and paves the way for a successful ENERGY STAR for Computer Server program that has the potential to harmonize energy efficiency programs worldwide.

SPEC welcomes this opportunity to work with the EPA on the SERT in support of the ENERGY STAR Specification for Computer Server v2 and is proudly looking forward to continuing our long-standing association with the EPA ENERGY STAR Development Team.

Development of the SERT is an international effort, with interest being expressed in adoption by national bodies from the European Union, China, Japan and Korea.

Government Programs that use SERT

EPA Energy Star v2.0 for Servers

Information on the SERT Tool

Server Efficiency Rating Tool (SERT) Press Releases
Press release material, documents, and announcements:  

• SPEC releases Server Efficiency Rating Tool (SERT)   (February 2013)
• SERT Beta Release Announcement  (September 2012)
• SERT Beta Release Announcement  (June 2012)

SERT Documentation
SERT technical and support documents, run and reporting rules, etc.

JVM Options Guide
User Guide 
Run and Reporting Rules
SERT Result File Field Descriptions 

Technical Design Documents:   
          SERT Design Overview
          PTDaemon Design

Power and Performance Methodology
Accepted Measurement Devices

SERT Training/Demo session

A SERT Training/Demo session in conjunction with the SPEC Annual Meeting in Austin, TX was held
on January 23, 2013 from 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM CST at the Austin Convention Center.

SERT Presentation from the EPA 
SERT Training Presentation 

Related Publications 

The Implementation Of The Server Efficiency Rating Tool
SPEC: Enabling Efficiency Measurement
The Design And Development Of The Server Efficiency Rating Tool (SERT)

Support

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Installation and runtime issues raised by users of the SERT tool.
SERT Support Request Form
Power Measurement Setup Guide

Updates

An update is available for PTDaemon (v1.6.0), released March 22nd, 2013. This update is not mandatory for users of the SERT
but is encouraged for all users due to additional device support and stability enhancements.

Accepted Measurement Devices and PTDaemon Update Process Page

Ordering

You can purchase this or any other SPEC benchmark by using the online order form

Credits

SERT Credits