Greener Computing

How strong is the Green IT wind blowing? In the software industry, the Green IT wind is blowing but not very strongly. Much of the industry still stands on the sidelines of climate change innovation. From industry leaders like Microsoft and SAP down to niche apps vendors, software firms are just now defining their strategies for environmental sustainability, Green IT and climate change. What can software professionals like you learn from your hardware cousins? IBM is a good place to start.

IBM and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) have partnered with Nokia, Pitney Bowes and Sony to establish an Eco-Patent Common, releasing “environmentally-responsible” patents to the public in an effort to help the environment. The Eco-Patent Common gives businesses, researchers and entrepreneurs the opportunity to take leadership and share their innovations by making pledges to establish patents such as to conserve energy, use environmentally preferable materials or reduce hazardous waste during the manufacturing process.