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September/October 2009
Green IT Initiatives
The foundation of being "IT Green" is reducing consumption
without reducing productivity and efficiency. A good
side-effect of reducing consumption is that you can reduce
costs. So with some thought and planning, your green
IT initiatives can save you money while you save the
environment. Below are our tips.
New equipment
- Purchase new equipment that is energy efficient,
multi-purpose and has an extended life-cycle. The
average PC has a life expectancy of just over 3 years. By
centralizing your computing needs, you can significantly
extend that life.
If you still have CRTs, now is the time to upgrade to LCDs.
Look at virtualization (server, application, desktop)
options that can give you increased computing in the most
efficient configuration. Microsoft has a good primer
to get you familiar with the
types of virtualization.
Centralize printing and use all-in-one devices for shared
functionality. Go electronic whenever possible.
Existing equipment
- Extend the life of computers by adding RAM or disk when
possible. Use power saver settings for individual units and
energy monitoring software for the network. Replace energy
wasting equipment like CRTs, older printers with new Energy
Star products.
Recycle
- Responsible recycling is essential. Computer equipment
and electronics should all be reused if possible and
environmentally recycled at the end of their life. Be sure
to recycle your print cartridges also. The
EPA eCycling
has tips and lists recycling programs. LAN Systems would be
happy to arrange for recycling through our free program.
More
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