Service Matters! ITSM & IT Management

Planning for IT Asset Management helps manage Information Technology assets over their lifecycle by providing specific services to business users in a cost effective manner. Given the increasing importance of ICT (Information & Communication Technology) in reducing the organization's carbon footprint, taking focused steps in all stages of the asset lifecycle has a significant impact. Therefore, it is important to have a comprehensive asset management plan looking at all aspects of IT asset management and finding opportunities to "Go Green".

Below are some points that can help "Greening" the asset management if considered during the planning stages:

·         Audit existing assets:

Before planning for IT asset management, it is important to baseline the existing IT asset scenario. The first step would be to audit existing assets and identify dependencies between them. Identifying dependencies helps in identifying assets that are no longer required by the business and can be used for new projects.

·         Baseline "Green" parameters:

After performing an audit of existing assets, analyze current asset carbon emissions and energy consumption. This will help in setting reduction targets and prioritizing Green IT initiatives.

·         Identify ways to utilize existing assets:

Performing audits and identifying dependencies can help highlight ways to reuse existing assets as mentioned above. In addition, there are technologies like virtualization, consolidation etc. which can further help increase the utilization of existing assets. Server consolidation through virtualization can provide ratio of about 5 - to - 1 (virtual to physical servers) which looks good from perspective of reduction in energy consumption and utilization of unused capacity. However, this also calls for additional planning in terms of approach towards the assets that are no longer used after virtualization and cooling (more processing by server leading to higher heat dissipation in data center).

·         Procurement:

Procuring eco-friendly assets is one of the simplest ways to start an organization's Green IT journey. Prepare guidance for "Green" procurement which includes negotiation terms with hardware and software vendors and other IT service providers. Include the "Green" procurement guidance in organization's IT procurement policy. Many organizations, including government and non-government organizations, are already having a Green Procurement Policy in place. For example, Toyota, Nikon, US - Department of Defense etc. have prepared detailed Green Procurement Policies.

·         Disposal:

Identify ways to minimize the effect of end-of-life effects IT assets on the environment. Prepare a policy to guide actions in the disposal phase of an IT asset's lifecycle. . Identify partners for appropriate handling of e-waste. Guidance regarding recycling & recycling vendors can be obtained from Electronics Take Back Coalition.

·         Training & awareness:

It is amazing to know that one of the most cost effective measures provides significant savings in terms of energy and carbon emission. As per an Intel study, user training and awareness can give double the energy savings as compared to implementing centralized power saving software. Train employees and motivate employees regarding the efficient usage of IT assets.