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Survey: Green IT Now Essential

7/1/2009

Nearly all (97%) senior-level information technology executives are at least discussing a green information technology strategy, while 45% have already implemented green IT initiatives, according to a recent survey by Symantec Corp.

A key finding of the 2009 Green IT Report is that senior-level IT executives are significantly interested in green IT strategies and solutions for both cost-reduction and environmental-responsibility reasons. The data, according to Symantec, points to a shift from implementing green technologies primarily for cost reduction to a more balanced awareness of also improving the organization’s environmental standing.

Respondents cited key drivers such as reducing electricity consumption (90%); reducing cooling costs (87%); and corporate pressure to be “green” (86%). Furthermore, 83% of respondents are now responsible or cross-charged for the electricity consumed in the data center—providing a strong motivator for IT to reduce energy costs.

“Over the past 12 months, IT has emerged as a new driving force in implementing green initiatives—not only for energy savings benefits, but also as a result of widespread desire to implement environmentally responsible practices,” said Jose Iglesias, VP global solutions at Symantec Corp., Cupertino, Calif. “The pendulum has swung both ways, and IT is now taking a balanced approach that is more integral to an organization’s green strategy, proven by the fact that the vast majority of respondents are now responsible for the energy costs of their data center.”

IT executives report a significant increase in green IT budgets. Seventy-three percent expect an increase in green IT budgets over the next 12 months, while 19% expect increases of more than 10%. The survey also showed a willingness to pay a premium for energy-efficient IT products. Two-thirds of respondents said they would pay at least 10% more, while 41% are willing to pay at least 20% more.

The survey found IT professionals are regularly deploying several key initiatives for green IT purposes. Replacing old equipment is the most popular strategy, with 95% reporting new energy-efficient equipment as part of their strategy, followed by monitoring power consumption (94%), server virtualization (94%) and server consolidation (93%).

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