Virtual data rooms are online warehouses where companies store their documents. Cloud computing refers to the practice of using a network of remote servers to store and manage data. Both of these solutions deliver cost-effectiveness and sustainable efficiency.
Telecommuting
Most employees dream of being able to flexibly work from home to balance their personal and professional lives. More and more companies are allowing employees to telecommute through the power of virtual data rooms and cloud computing. These remote access solutions allow workers to spend a few extra hours at home in order to finish up a time sensitive project. They also allow employees to work from home a few days a week by conveniently accessing, editing and sharing the data and documents they need at any time.
Telecommuting reduces automobile emissions and fuel consumption for employee and company-owned vehicles. Telecommuting reduces the demand for lighting, powering, heating and cooling office buildings, which is much more costly that residential homes. Offices with full-time telecommuters will need less space and use smaller buildings. Companies that cannot fully offer telecommunication jobs can still reduce travel associated with work through promoting teleconferencing, video meetings and online training. Overall, telecommuting will increase morale, productivity and work-life balance.
Server Dependence and Energy Efficiency
Virtual data rooms and cloud computing allow businesses to store data in a centralized database, which will significantly reduce the number of servers and hard drives required. Multiple servers and computers are expensive to purchase and maintain, so a centralized solution is best. In fact, companies that outsource their cloud computing needs to a third-party will indirectly promote sustainability. This is because IT management companies have the resources and knowledge to upgrade and maintain energy-saving equipment and building systems. This is less possible in smaller companies that may lack IT expertise.
Companies who use the cloud can drastically reduce their internal energy consumption. In order for a server to run at peak performance, the temperature and humidity levels of server rooms must be carefully controlled. Cloud computing organizations are designed to take advantage of efficient layouts and practices, such as rack-first methods that are difficult for companies to replicate. Virtual data rooms and cloud servers are more eco-friendly and they reduce climate control costs. Perhaps this is why many companies are transitioning to virtual desktop solutions.
VDR Reduces Paper Consumption
Every year, people in the United States use around 190 billion pounds of paper. Even worse, global paper consumption has increased 400 percent during the last four 40 years. Paper mills and papermaking plants are some of the worst polluters of air, water and the land. The industrial production of paper releases highly toxic chemicals like methanol, chlorine dioxide, formaldehyde and hydrochloric acid into the air and water. Businesses account for a huge portion of paper that is consumed and wasted. Virtual data rooms and cloud computing solutions significantly reduce the need for paper because businesses substitute digital technology for traditional needs.
For example, project management apps allow multiple users to simultaneously work together without the need for any paper. Similar solutions allow users around the world to upload, share, edit and download documents without any waste. Because there is no need to maintain files, this reduces office clutter, bulky filing cabinets and wasted storage space. Paperless offices use emails and electronic faxes to replace the need to print, mail and ship documents to clients. The likelihood of losing important documents is lower through electronic filing.
VDR Increases Brand Integrity
Eco-friendly businesses understand that reducing paper and energy consumption promotes sustainability while also acting as a great PR marketing tool. Modern consumers and organizations are growing more concerned about pollution, human rights, climate change and resource scarcity. Many globally dominate corporations, such as Nike, Wal-Mart and Starbucks have experienced negative press over the years because of their poor business practices. In order to combat this, they have all implemented highly visible sustainability programs. Even car manufacturers, whose products are at the heart of global warming concerns, use lean manufacturing and qualify improvement programs to streamline design, procurement, production and logistics.
Small and medium sized business can also use their sustainability practices to promote their brand and company image. Consumers translate sustainable attributes into benefits that matter most to them. Companies that visibly demonstrate how green products make a real difference in consumer’s lives will reap the benefits. When it comes to virtual data rooms and cloud computing, companies can integrate their practices into their mission. For example, B2B companies can foster new business development and opportunities through promoting how their process efficiency, cost containment and competitive advantages are grounded in their green office practices.
As a final benefit, virtual data are favored during mergers and acquisitions because they are used as a platform to access operational, financial and archived data about another company.
