March 3, 2008 - The world's leading software maker has finally lifted the lid on its green strategy, CNet's Green Tech Blog reports. Speaking at the Cleantech Forum in San Francisco last week, Microsoft's newly appointed chief environmental strategist Robert Bernard said his company is focused on improving the energy performance of its products.

For example, Windows Vista automatically powers down idle machines within 30 minutes. "Most people perceive that when they are running a screensaver, they are using less energy," Bernard said. "The reality is they are still using between 100 and 250 watts to power that screensaver." An idle computer equipped with Windows Vista uses less than 5 watts.

The new Windows Server 2008, launched last Wednesday at the Cleantech Forum, uses the minimum amount of energy necessary for a given workload. "I don't need a Ferrari to get across San Francisco," Bernard explained, likening Windows Server 2008 to a Toyota Prius. The 2008 version uses 40% less energy than Windows Server 2003.

Noting that computer software accounts for just 3% to 5% of IT energy use, Bernard also talked up the energy-saving potential of  advanced software that can help consolidate datacenter servers, redistribute computing workloads, and manage national energy grids more efficiently.

To watch a video of Bernard's speech here.