"As state CIOs work to modernize legacy systems and to streamline the enterprise to run more efficiently by consolidating data centers, green IT initiatives are an integral part." -- NASCIO President and Minnesota CIO Gopal Khanna (pictured)

The National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO)released a new video, "Taking the Lead: Green IT in the States." A product of NASCIO's Green IT Video Working Group, this video is designed to assist state CIOs in raising awareness among government leaders about incorporating green initiatives into enterprise IT practices, and how these initiatives could reduce their state's environmental impact-and reduce costs.

"In the face of troubling economic times, it is imperative for states and for state CIOs to be strategic in our outlook," said Gopal Khanna, NASCIO president and the state of Minnesota CIO. "We must change the conversation and recognize that IT can help transform government. And as state CIOs work to modernize legacy systems and to streamline the enterprise to run more efficiently by consolidating data centers, green IT initiatives are an integral part."

With unprecedented fiscal stress forcing states to seek out innovative ways to reduce costs while still delivering citizen services effectively, IT is increasingly being seen as part of the solution. This video demonstrates ways that states can invest in energy-efficient hardware to reduce operating costs, in software to lower energy costs and how IT can help enable greener state practices through initiatives such as increased online government services.

"States are demonstrated leaders in going green, and states now have an opportunity to lead by example to incorporate green into IT practices" said Dugan Petty, Chair of NASCIO's Green IT Working Group and the State of Oregon CIO. "Green IT is smart IT. It not only benefits the environment, it can also save money for states."

To view the video in streaming format or to request a high quality DVD of Taking the Lead: Green IT in the States, visit www.nascio.org. The following ten NASCIO corporate members provided the funding for the production of this video: Adobe Systems, BDNA, CGI, Citrix Systems, HP, Intel, Microsoft, Symantec, Unisys and Verizon Business.