Understanding the Green IT Landscape
The shift towards sustainable business practices has placed a spotlight on the IT industry, with its data centers and daily operations playing a significant part in how much energy businesses use. There’s a growing movement towards green IT, focusing on smarter, more energy-efficient ways to manage our digital world.
How Your IT Partner Can Help
Your MSP or IT solutions provider is in the perfect position to assist you in becoming more energy-efficient. With expertise in the latest technologies and a holistic view of IT infrastructure, MSPs can recommend and implement strategies that not only streamline operations but also reduce energy consumption. How?
- Cloud Services: Moving to the cloud can dramatically reduce the energy needed for data storage and maintaining on-premise data centers. MSPs can help companies transition to the cloud, select the most efficient cloud services, and optimize their cloud infrastructure for energy efficiency. A 2017 study by McKinsey & Company found that cloud computing can reduce server energy consumption by 31% on average due to economies of scale and shared infrastructure.
- Virtualization and Consolidation: Virtualization allows multiple virtual servers to run on a single physical server, cutting down on the total number of servers you need—and the energy they use.
- Energy-Efficient Hardware and Software: Not all hardware and software are created equal when it comes to energy use. Computers labeled with ENERGY STAR use 25%–40% less energy than computers without this designation, and EPEAT goes beyond energy use and considers environmental factors like material selection and end-of-life management. Your IT partner can guide you to the most energy-efficient options that still meet your needs.
- Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM): MSPs utilize these tools to remotely monitor and manage IT infrastructure, reducing the need for on-site visits and other travel costs. This proactive approach increases the efficiency of both staff and other technical resources.
- Asset Disposal and Recycling: When it’s time to upgrade, your IT partner can advise you on how to dispose of your old electronic equipment in a way that’s safe for the planet.
Implementing a Green IT Strategy
Collaborating with an MSP or IT solutions company to implement a green IT strategy starts with understanding where you currently stand. Conduct an energy audit of your current IT infrastructure to see where you can improve. Based on this audit, your MSP can develop a tailored plan that aligns with your business objectives and environmental goals.
Education and awareness are also vital components of a successful green IT strategy. Your IT partner can help educate your team on why energy efficiency matters and how they can contribute to your company’s green goals.
