ARMONK, NY – June 2, 2022 – Today Object Management Group® (OMG®) announced Responsible Computing (RC™), a new consortium of technological innovators working together to achieve sustainable development goals. Responsible computing is a systemic approach aimed at addressing current and future computing challenges, including sustainability, ethics and professionalism, born of the belief that we need to think about technology in terms of its impact on people and the planet.
“Responsible Computing aims to change thinking and, ultimately, behavior within the IT industry and drive real change,” said Bill Hoffman, chairman and CEO of RC and OMG. “We have made our manifesto and framework freely available and we have asked every RC member to implement RC principles. Our goal is that one day every IT professional will adhere to RC principles.”
The new consortium manifest defines RC values to restore trust in IT by responsibly applying technology and sharing experiences with other organizations. These values include sustainability, inclusiveness, circularity, openness, authenticity and accountability.
RC . of the consortium frame focuses on six domains of responsible computing, including:
- Data centers – are designed and operated with a focus on efficiency and sustainability, including an emphasis on green energy and improving the treatment and disposal of chemicals, toxic materials and rare metals.
- More sustainable infrastructure – monitoring the energy consumption of products and technologies. More efficient and sustainable business operations, including correct disposal of products.
- Code – choosing code that optimizes environmental, social and economic impact over time. Optimal code includes efficient algorithms, frameworks and tools, and KPIs to accelerate decision-making and pinpoint areas that need to be monitored more closely during software development.
- Data usage – the safe use of data will lead to transparency, fairness, privacy and respect for users.
- Systems – that tackle prejudice and discrimination by promoting equality for all, for example by using artificial intelligence (AI) for transparency.
- Influence – the technologies and innovations that have a positive impact on society as a whole, such as building to improve human conditions and reduce social risks.
Through interviews with more than 100 CTOs, concerns were raised about developing practical actions to advance environmental, social and governance (ESG) programs. They wanted to contribute to becoming more sustainable companies and show progress through consistent statistics. In November 2020, IBM’s Academy of Technology (AoT) responded to these challenges and established the Responsible Computing Council, an international team of technology and computing leaders working together to validate and implement the RC framework and lead by example to responsible computer provider. Object Management Group (OMG) was an early member of the board and soon after, the OMG board approved the formation of the RC consortium.
“Now is the time for companies to take a holistic approach that puts sustainability strategy at the heart of their business,” said Sheri Hinish, Global Lead, IBM Consulting Sustainability Services. “Below IBM impact, our new ESG strategy, we are working to make a lasting, positive impact in the communities in which we work and live. IBM is proud to be a founding member of the RC consortium, and through this partnership, we hope to help companies find new and innovative ways to transform their operations in ethical, impactful ways that can contribute to a more sustainable future. †
“Dell is proud to be a founding member of the RC Consortium. We align and are driven by a similar passion to help leading technology organizations achieve their sustainable development goals, aligned with those of the planet,” said Marc O’Regan, CTO EMEA, Dell Technologies. “In addition to social and to be environmentally responsible, we also expect RC members to see improved go-to-market solutions, strategies and bottom-line results by following the RC principles.”
An organization can become operationally more efficient and show a return on investment (ROI) in achieving sustainability goals. The ROI could potentially include:
- Lower power consumption
- Waste reduction for packaging
- Cost-effective heating and cooling solutions
- Supply chain efficiency and more
“As a college of nearly 16,000 students and top-10 undergraduate and top-4 graduate programs in the US, Purdue Engineering is excited to partner with Dell, IBM and other industry leaders in this new consortium of responsible computing,” said Mung Chiang. , Executive Vice President and Dean of College of Engineering at Purdue University. “We are especially looking forward to advanced technologies for user security, data privacy, freedom-preserving AI and computing innovations that will drive economic growth across society.”
“Technology is playing an increasing role in all sectors and can deliver many benefits in terms of efficiency, sustainability and the wider society. But we must be careful about leveraging technology to ensure we reap the benefits without exposing ourselves to unintended consequences,” said Jim Morrish, Founding Partner, Transforma Insights. “AI deployed to support building automation can significant energy savings, for example, but we must ensure that this is not at the expense of individual privacy. Transforma Insights looks forward to working with the wider technology ecosystem to ensure that society takes full advantage of new and emerging technologies.”
Rob Deri, Chief Executive at BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, said: “BCS became a pioneering member of Responsible Computing because our member community shares the belief that technology can and should drive positive change in society. We are proud to share to be part of an international coalition that prioritizes the role of IT in understanding and mitigating climate change, closing the digital divide, promoting equal opportunities and increasing public trust in technology through global professional standards.”
“Changing the way we manage information and technology infrastructures is critical to reducing CO2 emissions and ensuring climate justice,” said Professor Jamie Cross, Director of the Edinburgh Earth Initiative, University of Edinburgh. “The University of Edinburgh, the UK’s nationally leading center for supercomputing and the world’s leading hub for data-driven innovations, artificial intelligence and data science, is delighted to participate in this global initiative to promote responsible computing. We are excited to work together within the Responsible Computing consortium to drive transformational positive change that can only be achieved through new technologies, approaches and alliances.”
RC spans a broad cross-section of industries, including consumer, financial services, travel and transportation, insurance, government, energy, environment and utilities, telecom and media, and industrial sectors. For more information about joining RC, click here†
About responsible computer use
Responsible Computing (RC™) is a membership consortium for technology organizations that provides a framework for establishing responsible business policies. We help our members commit to and adhere to responsible computing values in key areas of infrastructure, code development, and social impact. RC is a program of the Object Management Group® (OMG®). For more information, visit our website: https://responsible.computing.net†
About IBM
IBM is a leading provider of global hybrid cloud and AI, and consulting expertise. We help customers in more than 175 countries with insights from their data, streamline business processes, lower costs and gain a competitive advantage in their industry. Nearly 3,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM’s hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to influence their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM’s breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and business services provide our customers with open and flexible options. All of this is backed by IBM’s legendary commitment to trust, transparency, accountability, inclusiveness and service.
For more information visit https://www.ibm.com†
About Object Management Group
The Object Management Group® (OMG®) is an international, open membership, non-profit technology standards consortium. Founded in 1989, OMG standards are driven by suppliers, end users, academic institutions and government agencies. OMG Task Forces develop business integration standards for a wide variety of technologies and an even wider range of industries. For more information, visit our website: https://www.omg.org/ †
Media contact:
James Nelson
IBM
[email protected]
Karen Quatromonic
Object Management Group
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Note to editors: Responsible Computing is a trademark of IBM®. View the list of all OMG trademarks† Other logos, products and company names referenced on this website are the property of their respective owners.