Microsoft cashes in on green initiatives

Microsoft has launched its offer of a free dashboard that captures energy consumption data to its Dynamics AX 2009 enterprise resource planning customers.

The Environmental Sustainability Dashboard can be used to track progress on environmental performance indicators. Microsoft says that the free software will allow companies without the resources for consultancy to further their green efforts. The ESD is expected to be adopted by many, as green technology climbs higher and higher on business agendas, but, as Calsoft’s David Gardiner says, only if it does not involve too much spending in a recession.

Gardiner said: “With the current economic climate there is definitely a growing number of companies who are taking the stance that ‘if it does not need to be spent, do not spend it’.

“I think the environmental agenda is already quite aggressive and has been embraced by many organisations as mandatory. Those companies who have started initiatives will probably continue with them if they do not involve excessive spend beyond capability.

“I think the shrewd move to link a tool like this which will help focus their ‘green’ spend is a nice ploy but will it just result in more spending on Microsoft technology and licenses.” During the tightened economy it is worth checking your licenses to ensure you are not paying above and beyond for the organisation and make sure they are valid. Any cost-reduction, is a good reduction.