ICT sector stuck in 'chicken and egg' climate change quandary (05/01/2010)

The ICT industry is facing a "chicken and the egg situation" when it comes to green technology.

This is according to Simon Mingay, research vice president, lead sustainability - organisation strategies at Gartner.

He suggested that firms may hold back from putting technologies which could reduce carbon emissions, such as those involving exchange hosting, in place until funding schemes have been launched.

Mr Mingay commented: "The ICT industry will invest when they've got someone putting up money to do it. Any investment in the industry ahead of projects being put on the table is very, very limited."

He explained that any investments made will be driven on building upon the capabilities that the ICT industry already has with regards to greener technology.

The expert added: "There's a chicken and egg situation here - [ICT companies] are not going to put significant investment in until there are projects."

He concluded that until countries and authorities take action, progress in this area will be slow.

Related Articles

• (31/08/2010) Microsoft has made greener computing 'its priority', says environmental website
• (26/08/2010) Smartphone increase could see businesses switching to UC
• (20/08/2010) Increase in mobile phone usage could encourage businesses to expand remote working
• (19/07/2010) New tool for Microsoft Exchange
• (05/07/2010) Microsoft Exchange problems with iOS 4 noted