Longer Use, Better Use : How to Avoid Software Induced Hardware Obsolescence

An effective insight about ICT environmental sustainability requires to pay attention also to the software features, this being another responsible for the CO2 emissions of the ICT sector. The main concerns of green ICT are related to the energy consumption in the computer’s use phase, which doesn’t depend only on hardware but also on software configuration and from its efficiency. Software is also responsible for the induced hardware obsolescence; the computer lifecycle is shorter than the potential one. A software based approach, as proposed in the chapter, will also allow a longer use for PCs, respecting the environment, saving energy, emissions, and money and, in the meantime, moving toward the cloud computing paradigm. A sustainable balance between innovation, economy, and green aptitude can help to use computers better and longer. Cloud computing, broadband Internet, and thin client are key elements to reach an environmentally sustainable ICT. Environmental benefit starts from a different approach to an old issue, in a re-combination strategy.