Software & Services | 21 Jan 2008 :
Energy represents the biggest cost increase for small and medium sized enterprises globally over the last two years, according to Irish provider C Infinity. Referencing research from analyst IDC and partners IBM, the company said that smaller businesses in Ireland need to adopt a more green approach to IT, as highlighted recently when oil reached $100 a barrel.
C Infinity also quoted research from IBM, a with whom the provider enjoys a new partnership, where a global study of 1,400 small and medium sized enterprises found that energy accounted for the biggest cost increase over the last two years for SMEs, surpassing healthcare, payroll, rent and equipment.
"This is a huge issue for Irish SMEs," said Caitríona Lynch, managing director and founder of C Infinity. "The ongoing energy crisis is driving oil prices and subsequently electricity prices up. Ireland is one of the most expensive countries in Europe for electricity. And running IT systems requires significant energy in terms of electricity and cooling."
She added, "By outsourcing IT and data services you not only reduce your energy consumption costs but reduce the risk of catastrophic failure due to data loss."
Lynch went on to say that her company's approach was to allow smaller businesses to focus on their business, rather than on the technology, using economies of scale and partnerships with major industry to give those smaller operators the best in any field.