IBM Recognizes Top Environmental Solutions Developed in 2009

ARMONK, N.Y., Nov. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- IBM ( IBM) has selected five solutions developed within the company for recognition under its new Corporate Environmental Innovation Program, which highlights innovations that significantly improve energy efficiency or reduce environmental impact.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090416/IBMLOGO )

IBM introduced the program earlier this year to highlight the best solutions developed by employees that address energy and environmental challenges for the company and its clients. The goal is to showcase these solutions and encourage other IBM employees to develop new technologies and offerings that address these global issues.

"Part of IBM's credo is 'innovation that matters, for our company and for the world,' and that's especially relevant to protecting the environment," said Wayne Balta, IBM's vice president of corporate environmental affairs and product safety. "The five innovations we've selected exemplify the very best of this belief in action. We hope they inspire other IBM employees to apply their talents and ingenuity to these and other conservation and environmental challenges."

The five solutions are:

• SmartBay Galway: Marine and Coastal Environmental Monitoring, Protection and Management -- this solution provides real-time environmental monitoring of water quality, wave conditions and weather for Galway Bay, Ireland. Insights collected from the system benefit marine and coastal research, commercial fishing, fish and shellfish farming, flood condition monitoring, wave energy research and development, advanced sensor development, and beach health conditions;
  

• Stockholm Congestion Pricing Solution -- this intelligent transportation solution directly charges drivers who use city center roads during peak business hours, reducing traffic in Stockholm, Sweden by 18 percent and helping increase the proportion of "green," tax-exempt vehicles to 9 percent. The reduction in traffic has lowered vehicular emissions by 8-14 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent in the inner city;
  

• Measurement and Management Technology -- a solution that provides real-time measurement and analysis of temperatures and humidity within data centers to optimize cooling and reduce energy consumption, improving energy efficiency by 10 percent or more. The technology is now being used in more than 60 data centers;
  

• iDataPlex Server -- the most power-efficient, high-volume server in the world, using up to 40 percent less electric power overall compared to comparable servers*. The design reduces airflow restrictions and allows two servers to share one fan cooling system and high-efficiency power supply, reducing cooling system energy use by 66 percent;
  

• Systems Director Active Energy Management -- a software solution that helps data center operators monitor and automatically manage energy use, allowing greater control over power consumption. The technology can reduce system administration and energy costs in a typical data center by nearly 30 percent.
  

The IBM Corporate Environmental Innovation Program will recognize up to five solutions each year. Nominated solutions are judged by a diverse team of IBM environmental, technical, and business experts from around the world.

To learn more about IBM's commitment to the environment, go to: www.ibm.com/ibm/environment/

For information on IBM's portfolio of energy and environment offerings and products, go to: www.ibm.com/green

    Contact Information
    Jay Cadmus
    IBM Media Relations
    (o) 914-766-2326
    (c) 203-948-2351
    jcadmus@us.ibm.com
    http://twitter.com/jaycadmus

*Based on SPECpower benchmark tests against other industry-standard one-unit rack servers.

SOURCE IBM