The focus on going green is making headlines every day, in all aspects of our lives. While it is to our advantage to ride this wave of awareness and interest, OTM has already been practicing responsible computing wherever possible for quite some time. However, sustainability is an approach that benefits not only the organization, but users and communities.

In the past few years, we have used and implemented technologies that promote green efforts. We have recently begun making our users aware of these efforts and continue to promote initiatives that can help save power, paper, ink and more.

Here are some of the services and initiatives that you should be aware of:

Virtual Computing

Virtual servers and computers run just like any physical computer. It essentially lets one computer or server do the job of multiple computers or servers. It allows us to host multiple operating systems such as Windows or Linux on one device.

This reduces the amount of physical devices we have to purchase and consolidates machines that are underutilized. This in turn saves data center space, reduces power consumption and lowers expenses due to more efficient use of hardware resources.

It also allows us to offer multiple environments in classrooms and labs without having to invest in additional computers.

OTM has been using virtual technology since 2005.

Remote Access

We often have a need to access the university network or applications from off campus locations or home. In the past you would have traveled to the campus to get work done. This in turn adds to your carbon footprint, travel costs and contributes to greenhouse gases.We offer services to access the network and your files from remote locations, thereby reducing your travel.

Learn more about Remote Access and how you can connect to your folders and files when working from home or elsewhere.

Web Conferencing

When you need to meet with colleagues or peers across town or country, it is often time-consuming or prohibitive in terms of travel costs.

Using LiveClassroom, users can chat online, view shared files and applications, work on documents together, speak through a microphone or view webcam video of the participants.

LiveClassroom is available both for academic and administrative uses.

Paper and Ink Conservation

A lot of paper and ink is used when printing out entire pages of websites, articles, emails or other electronic material. It is common knowledge that producing paper takes a tremendous toll on our environment. The consequences of paper waste are well known and can be limited. It not only reduces the environmental impact but cuts down university costs, including energy consumption.

In addition to using recycled paper, OTM has recently completed efforts to promote double-sided printing across the Sawyer Business School. Double-sided printing is mandatory in Sawyer computer labs, and we have installed double-sided print functionality in all department network printers.

As a department we use the web and email as our primary forms of communication. While we recognize many users may find print communications easier to access, we do our best not to use print newsletters, mailings or print handouts. We also offer most of our tutorials online, making it easier to access anytime, anywhere. We encourage everyone to work, share and collaborate electronically.

Blackboard

The learning system allows faculty and students to share syllabi, presentations, reading material and assignments on the web. Students can also submit assignments using the digital drop box and collaborate with other students online.

Learn how Blackboard can save on paper and printing costs over time.

Recycling

In addition to recycling paper and ink cartridges, OTM has been recycling old computers and hardware since 1998. We collaborate with local non-profits, day care centers and organizations, such as Friends of Uganda, to donate computers so that it may be reused in places that are unable to afford new equipment.

Additionally, we ensure that hard drives are wiped clean as per Department of Defense standards, and that we legally follow software licensing rules and regulations.

These are a few of the initiatives and services we offer towards achieving sustainability, and what we’d like to call ’responsible computing.’

We will continue to update you as we do more. Please feel free to contact us if you have additional ideas and/or methods that will enable us to work towards a greener future.