Sustainability in information systems: Requirements and emerging technologies

Abstract

Despite the ever increasing pervasion of Information Systems (IS) in business processes the industry lacks a focus on sustainability. While concepts of sustainability have been applied to many other areas, IS is yet to demonstrate a balanced economic, ecological and social focus. This paper discusses the issues of IS sustainability and the implications for strategic IS management. It analyses the major stakeholder businesses that the Information and Communications (ICT) industry deal with and identifies requirements for successful sustainable IS management. It also discusses current emerging technologies in the field of ICT and their potential for supporting sustainable IS management. Bringing these ideas together will extend the ongoing discussion of ICT's environmental impact by providing Chief Information Officers, IS and environmental managers and researchers alike with a conceptual foundation towards future sustainable information systems management.