From The Chair - 

Green IT – or just Green?

The computing press is full of articles about the need to go green. Energy requirements are becoming a driving factor in the choice and location of infrastructure. Power is already limiting growth in some locations, and rising costs are certainly hitting the bottom line of company accounts.

This led us to organise a ‘Low Carbon Computing’ event in April, and to timetable our AGM on the same day. We recognise that you are unlikely to travel just to attend an AGM, so by combining the two we hoped you would find the day an efficient and beneficial use of your time. We value your input and were looking forward to seeing you there. But we had to cancel the Low Carbon event – nobody registered! – a disappointment for the management committee and a personal disappointment to me as I was looking forward to some valuable presentations.

So why did the event flounder? Is it because there is still a discontinuity between IT and Facilities departments, with Facilities paying the energy bill? Or is the energy debate still at CIO level within your company? Is your technical strategy being driven by solely technical decisions? Whatever the size of the organisation, the energy situation will affect you - if you are a large company you could find yourself paying more tax as well as increasing bills. I suggest it is time to seize the initiative before decisions are forced upon you. Or am I being ‘green’ in my thinking?

The AGM went ahead by the way. It’s been a challenging year financially as we continue to re-negotiate our relationship with HP and other parties. And despite the odd ‘no-shows’ the events programme continues to be strong, as does E-PING. Your Management Committee remains stable - my thanks to them all for their tireless work which is, in many cases, without financial reward, driving hpUG forward.

Mail me at chair@hpug.org.uk with any comments you may have.

John Owen
hpUG Chairman