Unnamed TNG skant beefcakeJan 18, 2024

McGill: Microsoft says server farms are destroying the planet, so we're limiting the institutional cloud disk space we're giving you to 20 GB only

CIHR: You're still required to keep all your original data sets for all your research until 5 years after the end of the grant though

Me: If you and Microsoft want to actually do something about the planet, maybe pull the plug on OpenAI instead

McGill: If you have questions about the new policy read the email again good luck bye!

Show threadUnnamed TNG skant beefcakeJan 18, 2024

This isn't a joke

Microsoft instituted a new policy limiting academic accounts to 20 GB only

FOR ENVIRONMENTAL REASONS

McGill has no internal, local research data storage service because they went all-in on Microsoft services

And yes, CIHR requires that researchers hold on to original research data for 5 years after a grant ends

Meanwhile Microsoft is boiling the fucking oceans with its AI bullshit

Show threadJosh Dick Jan 18, 2024
@researchfairy @mcc Similar energy to hotel greenwashing, with the convenient omission of “it saves us a lot of money” even if the stated reasons are technically true
Show threadUnnamed TNG skant beefcake

@josh @mcc Microsoft: We're very concerned about the emissions from the airline industry lol

Me: Oh so you'll be lobbying to abolish all private jets by law?

Microsoft: No, instead we're destroying your research

Jan 18, 2024 at 9:32pmWeb