Gartner flags missed opportunities for enterprises to make cost-effective green IT gains

Gartner, a leading technology research and advisory firm, has recently highlighted the missed opportunities for enterprises to make cost-effective green IT gains. In a report titled “Missed Opportunities for Green IT Cost Savings,” Gartner outlines several areas where organizations can make significant cost savings while also reducing their environmental impact.

According to the report, many enterprises are overlooking simple and cost-effective ways to green their IT operations. These opportunities include:

1. Server and data center consolidation: Gartner notes that many organizations have underutilized servers and data centers, which can be consolidated to reduce energy consumption and costs. Virtualization technologies can also be used to increase server utilization rates and reduce the number of physical servers needed.
2. Energy-efficient hardware: Enterprises can reduce their energy consumption by using energy-efficient hardware, such as Energy Star-rated servers, desktops, and laptops. Gartner suggests that organizations should consider purchasing hardware that meets strict energy efficiency standards, such as those set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Energy Star program.
3. Power management: Gartner advises enterprises to implement power management policies and technologies to reduce energy consumption during non-business hours. This can include automatically turning off computers, printers, and other IT equipment when not in use.
4. Virtualization and cloud computing: Gartner notes that virtualization and cloud computing can help reduce the number of physical servers needed, which can lead to significant cost savings and a smaller environmental footprint. Organizations can also consider using cloud-based services that are hosted in energy-efficient data centers.
5. Green IT procurement: Gartner suggests that enterprises should incorporate green IT criteria into their procurement processes. This includes evaluating the energy efficiency and environmental impact of IT products and services before purchasing them.
6. IT asset disposal: Gartner advises organizations to properly dispose of old IT assets, which can help reduce electronic waste and minimize the environmental impact of new hardware purchases.
7. Telecommuting and remote work: Gartner suggests that enterprises should consider implementing telecommuting and remote work programs, which can reduce the need for energy-intensive office spaces and commuting. This can also lead to increased productivity and cost savings.
8. Green IT training and awareness: Finally, Gartner recommends that organizations provide green IT training and awareness programs for their employees. This can help promote environmentally friendly practices and encourage employees to adopt sustainable behaviors.

In summary, Gartner’s report highlights several missed opportunities for enterprises to make cost-effective green IT gains. By implementing simple and cost-effective strategies such as server and data center consolidation, energy-efficient hardware, power management, virtualization and cloud computing, green IT procurement, IT asset disposal, telecommuting and remote work, and green IT training and awareness, organizations can reduce their environmental impact while also cutting costs.

As Gartner notes, green IT is not just about reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions; it’s also about making smart business decisions that can lead to cost savings, improved efficiency, and increased competitiveness. By taking advantage of these missed opportunities, enterprises can not only green their IT operations but also improve their bottom line.