Most mid-size firms seek to cut IT footprints

A new IBM survey of mid-sized businesses around the globe finds that most of them have programmes in place to reduce the environmental impact of their information technology.

The survey queried more than 1,000 information technology executives in Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, India, Japan, Norway, Sweden, the UK and the US.

Respondents from nearly two-thirds of all companies say they are either already adding virtualisation technology to servers, consolidating storage systems or retrofitting server rooms … or plan to do so within the coming year. Brazilian companies are leading the way in virtualisation investments, while businesses in France, Canada, the US and Germany have focused more on storage consolidation.

The top reason cited for such initiatives is cost control, according to IBM.

“This study demonstrates the clear connection between meeting environmental goals, reducing expenses and driving change that can foster innovation and growth,” said Marc Dupaquier, general manager of global midmarket sales for IBM.