Dozens of software tools allow IT departments and MSPs (managed IT services providers) to remotely monitor PCs, servers, networks and cloud services. Among the questions to ponder: Will those same software tools -- often called Remote Monitoring and Management (RMM) sofware -- evolve to monitor real-time green house gas (GHG) emissions?
Demand for such software appears to be surging. Indeed, the global market for real-time green house gas (GHG) monitoring solutions will reach $1.45 billion in 2030, up from $350 million in 2022. That’s a 19.5% compound annual growth rate, according to Research and Markets.
Amid that backdrop, CIOs want their MSP partners to help address corporate sustainability priorities.
Case Studies: Monitoring GHG Emissions
So where might RMM software for sustainability fit in? Instead of monitoring IT equipment, real-time monitoring of GHG emissions in urban spaces will "help stakeholders prioritize, plan, implement, and monitor science-based measures in a transparent manner," the Research and Markets report said.
Among the case studies mentioned in the report:
- How Dijon, France will become the first global city to monitor CO2 emissions in real time.
- How Turin, Italy will use satellite Images & big data analytics to generate a digital twin that models urban sustainability.
- How Ecopia AI's digital twin will support Canadian cities' 2050 net-zero target.
RMM Software, IT Management and Sustainability Monitoring
For the most part, traditional IT monitoring tools -- often called RMM (remote monitoring and management) software -- don't appear to be evolving for GHG and sustainability monitoring.
Key players in the market -- such as ConnectWise, Kaseya/Datto, N-able, NinjaOne and emerging players like Atera, SuperOps.ai and Syncro MSP -- generally don't yet market their tools for sustainability or green IT use cases.
Still, RMM software has some use cases that align with sustainability initiatives. Examples include:
- Power, energy and temperature monitoring of IT equipment and data centers.
- Remote PC support that eliminates the need for truck-rolls and on-site visits.
Key RMM software adopters include ESG Global, which leverages NinjaOne to manage their hybrid workforce. ESG Global, in turn, develops a software platform for energy customer, market and asset management in North America, United Kingdom and Japan.
MSPs and Sustainability: Cisco and Canalys Research Recommendations
Meanwhile, the MSP industry should increasingly focus on sustainability and green IT use cases, according to Cisco Systems and Canalys research. A separate Canalys research report, issued in mid-2023, explains how channel partners are addressing sustainability at differing rates across Europe, North America and other regions.
Meanwhile, some IT service providers and consulting firms appear to be ahead of the curve -- or at least setting a rapid pace -- with their sustainability services rollouts. Examples include MSP industry veterans at 1E, Evercycle, Kyndryl, Logicalis US, PC Powersave, ScalePad and TD Synnex.
Also of note: Global IT consulting firms that have MSP arms continue to expand their sustainability and ESG practices -- despite some ESG pushback from some conservative circles in the United States. Examples in the market include Accenture, Deloitte, EY, KPMG, NTT, PwC and Capgemini.
Related: Here's how MSPs can help CIOs to address sustainability priorities.
