Green Computing, Green IT

Green IT Trends for Medium Sized Businesses - Data Balance Clearwater

GREEN IT Adoption in Small and Mid-Size Companies

The green columns below show the number of small and mid-size companies that have adopted green strategies; the blue columns show initiatives planned.

Source: Info-Tech Research Group

We can help you GREEN your Business

Myths

It is bad for the computer to turn it off and on frequently

Computers are currently designed with the ability to power cycle on/off around 40,000 times. This is many more times than the average user will ever do in the 5-7 year lifespan of a computer. Turning off the computer also helps reduce heat, stress, and wear on the system.

Turning your computer off uses more energy than leaving it on.

The power used by a CPU to boot up is much less than the energy used by it to remain on for 3 minutes.

Screen savers save energy.

Screen savers were originally designed to protect the life span of glass CRT monitors, which are now obsolete. Most screen savers do not save energy unless they actually turn off the screen or, in the case of laptops, turn off the backlight.

Energy Management and Analysis at your fingertips

Our managed service customers get detailed reports showing energy consumption and costs for each workstation and server on their network. By performing detailed calculations based on local energy rates, the amount of time a computer is powered on and an analysis of each computers components, energy consumption and costs are reported on a monthly basis.

We even have the ability to automatically power down PCs after work hours if they are accidentally left on. This reduces your carbon foot print and you start saving on your electric bill immediately. We can also show you in dollars how the newer generation of power saving servers and PC workstations can save you vs. your current equipment.

More GREEN Tips

Server Virtualization / Server Consolidation

Server virtualization consolidates the workloads of under-utilized servers to fewer machines, reducing money spent on hardware and administration, and paving the way for better data management and security. Running fewer machines also opens the door to energy savings, and ultimately means less equipment in the office and in landfills.

IT Infrastructure Consolidation

Many businesses maintain multiple locations and those locations can have significant IT Infrastructures. The cost of maintaining multiple location IT Infrastructures is both financially and environmentally significant. Consider IT staff needed for maintenance, duplicated hardware, backup and storage required, cooling costs, and the physical real estate required. By consolidating infrastructures you will see reductions in utility bills and other expenses, while also reducing their carbon footprint. Keep in mind that some duplication of IT Infrastructure may be needed to protect achieve business continuity.

Recycle Old Equipment

Computers, monitors and other electronics contain toxic materials that can harm the environment if they end up in landfills. Find a reputable recycler that dismantles equipment and recycles the parts. The Environmental Protection Agency maintains a website with information on recycling resources in your local area.