Technology as a sustainable ‘enabler’
NetApp is a leading data management and storage company that offers unified data storage, integrated data services, and cloud operations solutions for enterprise customers.
Despite the significant energy consumption associated with technology, van der Lingen emphasizes the need for sustainability within the organization and for its clients. He aims to transition operations to be more sustainable moving forward.
“I believe technology has the potential to be a powerful enabler,” he states. “Even if it simply remains neutral, it can facilitate remarkable advancements such as medical breakthroughs and improvements in human well-being.
“However, the concerning aspect of our role as technologists is the substantial amount of digital waste we generate.”
He points out that a Bloomberg study revealed that 68% of corporate data is never utilized, resulting in a significant amount of wasted resources. This includes AI-generated data that remains untouched and unmanaged.
“Orphan data continues to consume resources and contribute to environmental impact, leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions than the aviation industry,” he explains.
“There are actions we can take to address this issue. Imagine the possibilities if we were to eliminate that unused 68% of data.”
The power of sustainable AI
AI plays a crucial role in driving sustainability efforts and addressing environmental concerns.
NetApp is dedicated to advancing AI solutions and recently introduced autonomous ransomware detection capabilities. Endorsed by NVIDIA, this intelligent data infrastructure enhances cyber resilience by incorporating AI and machine learning technologies to combat ransomware threats.
Customers can enhance their AI projects by combining NetApp’s data infrastructure with high-performance computing, networking, and software from NVIDIA.
Van der Lingen underscores the current significance of AI as a valuable investment for businesses, although many are uncertain about long-term strategies.
“Technology remains a constant presence,” he notes.
He emphasizes the importance of collaboration for sustainable AI development. NetApp is committed to assisting individuals in managing their data effectively and promoting sustainable data utilization.
Regarding sustainable technology, van der Lingen stresses the importance of responsible data management.
He explains: “We must address our existing data and ensure it is utilized efficiently. This requires deliberate efforts from individuals who may already be overwhelmed with driving business growth.
“Imagine the impact of optimizing existing technology rather than constantly acquiring new resources unnecessarily.
“As we navigate the challenges of energy availability, it is crucial to prioritize sustainable practices in technology utilization.”
