Environmental Leader

Ninety-four percent of small-business IT decision-makers in the U.S. say that technology is an important tool to help green their business, According to a telephone survey conducted on behalf of Microsoft Corp. by KRC Research.

Almost 70 percent of respondents said environmentally friendly practices are important for their business, and 60 percent responded that they save money by using sustainable technologies.

A paperless office was identified by respondents as the top green IT practice they feel that offers the greatest cost savings.

Other green IT practices were also identified as offering cost savings:
–  Setting up standards to manage power consumption for computers, such as setting computers or monitors to sleep mode (28 percent)
–  Allowing employees to telecommute (26 percent)
–  Upgrading server infrastructure with the most energy-efficient technology available (16 percent)
–  Using mobile technology (15 percent)
–  Conducting live meetings that share resources over the Web such as presentations (14 percent)

In September, Microsoft opened what it describes as its “greenest” project to date – a 470,000 square foot data center in San Antonio.