Cracking the Code on Sustainable SoftwareCracking the Code on Sustainable Software

Artificial intelligence is generating ripples that extend far beyond business productivity and financial results. One of the most frequently overlooked areas? How software development and coding practices intersect with power, water, and the need for additional IT resources. 

"As hardware has become more plentiful and powerful, it's possible to do things with software that weren't possible in the past. There's a higher ceiling for inefficiency," says Ed Anderson, vice president and analyst for Gartner. "Software developers know that hardware can pick up the slack and fill the gaps." 

This age of abundance is leading to wasted data center space, unnecessary complex IT architectures, excessive network traffic, and a coding framework that elevates developer convenience over performance. While software doesn't explicitly consume carbon, the result is higher costs along with difficulty hitting carbon reduction targets and other sustainability goals. 

"Many organizations have done a good job of adopting more efficient hardware but their relationship with software is poorly understood," observes Sanjay Podder, global managing director for technology, sustainability and innovation at Accenture and chair of the Green Software Foundation. 

As a result, IT leaders are increasingly exploring ways to write, manage and maintain sustainable software.

Related:Quick Reference Guide for Software Development

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