IBM has introduced a suite of new services aimed at enhancing the sustainability of data centers. These offerings, announced on March 12, 2024, are part of IBM’s ongoing efforts to support enterprises in optimizing their IT infrastructure for better energy efficiency, managing the lifecycle of IT equipment more sustainably, and implementing secure data-erasure practices.
The newly launched services by IBM’s Technology Lifecycle Services group include the Sustainability Optimization Assessment, Asset Recovery and Disposition, and Data Erasure Services. These initiatives reflect IBM’s commitment to environmental responsibility and the growing importance of sustainability in the IT sector.
Dylan Boday, the Vice President of Technology Lifecycle Services Product Management at IBM, emphasized the significance of refreshing and consolidating data-center hardware. He noted that such measures are essential for enhancing operational efficiency, security, and environmental responsibility. Boday’s insights were shared in a blog post detailing the rationale behind IBM’s expanded sustainability services.
The motivation for these services is backed by findings from an IDC sustainability study, which Boday cited. The study revealed that 75% of organizations surveyed prioritize sustainability and circularity when procuring IT equipment. This trend is partly driven by a 155% increase in global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) regulation over the past decade. Businesses are under growing pressure to adopt sustainable practices and comply with these regulations.
IBM’s Sustainability Optimization Assessment service aims to evaluate a customer’s data center environment to identify optimization and hardware refresh opportunities. Leveraging IBM’s AI-based Turbonomic service, it offers recommendations to achieve sustainability goals throughout the data center lifecycle, focusing on efficient resource use and minimizing waste.
The Asset Recovery and Disposition service addresses the need for responsible management of outdated or unnecessary IT assets. By assessing the value of these assets, IBM provides options for reselling or recycling, promoting a circular economy approach that extends the lifecycle of IT equipment.
Finally, the Data Erasure service, in collaboration with Blancco Software Technology, ensures secure deletion of redundant data from IT hardware. This service is crucial for companies looking to manage data responsibly at the end of its lifecycle, offering a tamper-proof certificate of erasure to demonstrate compliance with data protection standards.
These initiatives are part of a broader suite of services offered by IBM Technology Lifecycle Services, including media retention, infrastructure optimization, and logistics support. Available now, these services can be accessed individually or as part of an integrated package, underscoring IBM’s role in advancing sustainable IT practices.
