Article

HSBC saves $1m in energy costs by turning off computers

on ComputerWeekly.com, by REBECCA THOMSON

HSBC has saved more than $1m in energy costs after rolling out technology that shuts down 300,000 PCs during evenings and weekends.

The bank is implementing the shut-down system across its international network, eventually reaching all 8,000 offices in the 88 countries it operates in.

It has completed the roll-out on 300,000 machines so far, saving $1,090,180 in energy costs by closing down the computers overnight.

The technology, called NightWatchman from supplier 1E, saves data and closes applications before shutting down PCs.

The bank is one of the biggest in the world and says it keeps costs down through "ruthless" standardisation of its IT across the company.

Matthew O'Neill, head of group communication systems and support, said, "A key part of our desktop strategy to minimise total cost of ownership is through ruthless standardisation of our environment. We deploy a single Windows image to all of our desktops worldwide and ensure that all additional solutions we provide are globally scalable. Within this environment, we are responsible for establishing all of the desktop settings, including our global shutdown policy, to ensure that this is adhered to across the organisation, maximising the energy savings."

He said the NightWatchman technology was easy to implement alongside HSBC's Microsoft systems management server, which supports every desktop in the company.

About 1E & AH Technology

1E believes that every one of its customers should expect more from their IT. Founded in 1997 with a worldwide presence, 1E pioneered advanced PC power management with its award-winning NightWatchman® and WakeUp™ solutions and has created revolutionary concepts like Useful Work™, Drowsy Server© and Computer Health. Microsoft recently awarded 1E the ISV/Software Solutions Innovation Partner of the Year. With nearly 14 million licenses deployed worldwide, over 1100 organizations in 42 countries trust 1E to help them to work efficiently and sustainably. 1E has helped its customers save in excess of $350m in energy costs alone, cutting CO2 emissions by 3 million tonnes. Customers include AT&T, Bovis Lend Lease, Dell, Ford, HSBC, Marks & Spencer, Nomura, Microsoft, Nestlé, Verizon Wireless and Queensland Police.

AH Technology is committed to leveraging its experience in the marketing of automated operations and system management solutions in Australia and New Zealand to ensure corporations on both sides of the Tasman can benefit from 1E`s world class solutions.