Everybody’s going Green: Where’s Kermit?

Everywhere I turn these days, and in much of what I do, green initiatives for IT are springing up like mushrooms after the rain. I recently wrote a white paper for a major messaging security service vendor that explained how using SaaS (Software as a Service) helps companies green up, and save on people costs and hardware outlays as well as reducing the inevitable “carbon footprint.”

I’m looking at the Certmag Website right now, and I see that the Storage Network Industry Association, aka SNIA, has started a Green Storage Initiative group. Shoot, even the Federal Stimulus Package includes $42B for energy-related investments of all kinds. Gartner and other analyst groups estimate that green IT is already a $5-10B business niche this year. I guess it’s a case of “spending some green to turn green,” eh?

Needless to say, where there’s cash and interest–and I see plenty of both in evidence in a search of the online universe we inhabit–there’s also hope of meaningful engagement for those looking for more, new, or better workplace situations. IT professionals considering their options will want to add something green to their lists, even if it’s too late for the famous Irish saint’s holiday in March (and no, green beer is not on that list).

If you want to dig a little deeper into this subject matter try this Google Search. Among the millions of hits that pop up, you may find these of particular interest:

• Green Technology  ITBusinessEdge.com)
• Green Information Technology Strategic Plan (EDUCAUSE/USDA)
• What is the ROI on Green Information Technology (TechDune)
• What is Green Technology   GreenTechnology.org)

Don’t worry if you don’t find these items to your liking–there’s plenty more where they came from. Might be interesting ground for learning and research, especially if you’re ready to break some new ground, and plant some new seeds for your IT career!