In its simplest form Cloud Computing is distributed or utility computing over the internet. This basically means that an organization's computing services can be hosted by specialist third party suppliers rather than using "in-house" local data centers.

From the organization's perspective, this means that there is no longer a requirement for organizations to own or manage their own infrastructure, since it is bought as a service and the maintenance of the infrastructure becomes the responsibility of the Service Provider.

4) Remote and Location-Independent Working

There are now many different technologies available for organizations who wish to provide the option to their employees of working from home or from satellite locations. These IT remote access solutions include, but are not restricted to, webcams, instant messaging, voice-conferencing and internet video calling solutions such as Skype.

The green benefits for organizations include reduced travel leading to fewer vehicles on the road and therefore reduced carbon emissions, and a reduction in the number of corporate buildings needed, leading to reduced energy requirements, due to less heating and lighting. Another advantage that may not be immediately identifiable is that by providing remote working solutions, staff based at home on a permanent basis can be excluded from needing seats at any recovery arrangements organised with the IT Service Continuity process. This could lead to reduced recovery requirements which could have a positive effect on CO2 emissions.

However careful consideration needs to be given before making a decision to embark on this very different method of working. Organizations will have to seriously consider the health and safety elements of remote working and the social impact of employees working in isolation from their colleagues. Lastly, organizations are going to have to implement the initiative with extreme care and diligence to ensure that they are not simply transferring the organization's carbon footprint to the individuals working remotely.