Question

Imagine that a company has developed an advanced technology that allows it to reduce its data center requirements by an unprecedented amount, and creates a competitive advantage for the company in the data center market. Why should it share that technology with other data center firms? If this firm does not share its techniques, the rest of the industry will continue to operate less efficient centers, and increase global emissions of green house gases above what they would otherwise be.

Answer 1

If companies were to share technologies it would•Increase IT efficiency

• Decrease emissions
• Decrease costs associated with IT

Companies that do not share their technologies:

• Keep the competitive advantage
• Invite competitive innovations and competition

We believe that the competitive market place will force companies to regulate carbon emissions for data centers. It is inefficient and costly not to attempt to lower carbon emissions. Google showed how each of their ways for lowering their PUE measurements also saved them money. Companies that don’t know how to lower their emissions also won’t lower their costs and will eventually negatively affect their business. We believe that if the government can guide businesses towards these cost cutting and energy efficient modes of operation then they should. It’s kind of how Consumer’s Energy has a rebate program for businesses that are making energy efficient improvements to their facilities. You get positive results from positive reinforcements, and negative results from negative reinforcements.