Power Management Tools

Microsoft Launches ENERGY STAR Compliant Power Management Tool for IT Administrators

Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager (ConfigMgr) 2007 has launched a new Desired Configuration Management (DCM) pack that fully complies with ENERGY STAR configuration guidelines! The new pack, which is endorsed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), enables customers to assess their client settings against the following ENERGY STAR defined efficiency levels and recommendations:

Ensure computers enter system standby or hibernate after 30 to 60 minutes of inactivity.

Ensure monitors enter sleep mode after 5 to 20 minutes of inactivity.

Create a warning notification report if screen savers are not disabled. If one is enabled, the wait timeout period should be less than the monitor sleep setting.

This ConfigMgr 2007-based solution makes it easier for IT Professionals to ensure that PCs are configured with the appropriate energy savings - driving improved power management implementations that can lower operational costs for ConfigMgr 2007-supported organizations. The solution also provides a basis for compliance reporting against various pledge programs, such as Climate Savers Computing Initiative and ENERGY STAR Low Carbon IT Campaign.

For more information and/or to download the pack, please visit the System Center ConfigMgr 2007 ENERGY STAR Config Pack page on the Microsoft Environment site.

Microsoft’s Chief Environmental Strategist Introduces Free Power Management Application for Consumers

Earlier today, Microsoft’s CES Rob Bernard, Verdiem’s CEO Kevin Klustner, and the Climate Savers Computing Initiative’s President Lorie Wigle announced the launch of Verdiem's Edison, a power management application offered free to PC users around the world! A video recording of the announcement is now available on-line. The video provides a demo of the software and a great overview on the importance of power management in computing. Watch the video and download the application on the Microsoft Environment site.