Tags: blog, social media, Twitter, usability
Recently there is a large and interesting discussion going around about Social Medias. Some of them are Facebook, Wikis, Blogs, Micro Blogs likeTwitter, or peer-to peer. It is fascinating how these virtual meeting platforms are spreading, rapidly, through it´s openness. People are no longer passive readers but they actively share and collaborate with others. Osama Mansor at Center for Learning and Knowledge Technologies, Linnéuniversitetet, has written an interesting chronicle about this. My personal impression, as a fairly new blogger and a brand new tweeter, is that these platforms are now more and more accepted as a community device at work, also that they are easy to use. Let´s see what is on line, before you ever have the time to control it.
Tags: certifications, eco-desing, environmental polices, Green IT, green purchasing, It buyers, IT equipment, laptops, Notebooks, Swedbank, Volvo
Many times I’ve found myself frustrated by the fact that the majority of institutional IT Buyers dont show use more clout to influence the greening of the IT space. By representing large groups of users and volume contracts, IT buyers have an opportunity to lead the way by demand greener products – and industry is ready to listen. An increasing number of organizations and companies are striving to strengthen their green credentials and credibility as an environmentally resposible player. By demonstrating a demand for greener products, buyers have a unique role to play in drivig eco-design forward. With few exceptions, industry listens to the demands of buyers before investing in eco-friendly designs. Despite a brand’s good environmental intentions, it is the buyers demand for greener PCs, monitors and other electronics that can make it a priority.
From a user’s perspective, caring for the environment is a higher priority then ever before. A growing environmental awareness among consumers has brought about more responsible product choices both in consumer and business markets. On the business side, it’s particular progress to note that well known brands like Volvo and Swedbank are taking the lead from the purchasing side and demanding that all notebooks they purchase must be TCO Certified. This sends a direct message to industry that environmental factors are critical for users and that it can mean good business for the brands as well. When buyers ask, industry responds – but we do need to make some noise !
If you buy IT equipment, whether for your personal use or on behalf of a company or organization, take the lead, tell industry what you want. Including eco-requirements in your purchasing practices doesn’t need to be complicated.
Some tips to get you started:
- Ask your vendor to specify environmentally designed products.
- Talk with colleagues or other individuals with experience of green purchasing.
- Use established certifications (eg Energy Star, TCO Certified) as a tool in making an informed choice.
- Refer to your company’s environmental policies and goals as a guide.
Visit our website to find out more about TCO Certified
By Maria Sjölund
Tags: Apple, Cool Office, cutting edge, cutting edge technology, energy saving, future strategic, halogen free IT products, NEC, NEC EA222We, Projectors, sensors, TCO Certified, TCO Certified Edge, usability
Last week the NEC Nordic Partner Event took place in Stockholm. I participated on day one which was the NEC Showcase Day.
The top management of NEC for Scandinavia and EMEA presented their visions and strategic directions and also new display series were launched.
At the exhibitions all frontline technology from NEC Displays solutions were demonstrated.
I found of course all the TCO Certified Projectors from NEC impressive. The new computer display MultiSync® EA222WMe with the TCO Certified Edge award for being free from halogen is a very nice example on cutting edge environmental technology.
The hottest release of the event was the introduction of NEC’s ultra thin computer display with the cool name Cool Office.
It is thin. It is cool. It is smart – it has sensors that feel when the user has left the display so it can turn to sleep mode and save lots of energy. I would say this product really proves that NEC can compete with Apple when it comes to combine nice design with usability and green features. What do you think?
Posted by Birgitta Halvarsson
