Technological Innovation for Sustainability

Resource conservation through open source and durable hardware

With the Earth Overshoot Day arriving earlier each year, sustainable actions in IT have become indispensable. At |knowhere, we rely on open-source software and extend the use of our hardware far beyond typical depreciation periods. Our systems remain efficient even after several years, significantly reducing the need for new production and thus cutting down on e-waste.

In the past, rapid technological advances quickly rendered hardware obsolete. Today, high-quality hardware combined with efficient open-source software allows for long-term use without sacrificing performance.

By consciously using open-source software and durable hardware, we not only conserve resources but also budgets. We dream of more businesses following this approach to actively contribute to sustainable IT.

E-Waste

Our Measures Against Electronic Waste

With innovative approaches and sustainable technologies, we extend the lifespan of hardware and reduce unnecessary IT waste.

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Long-Term Use

Our devices run well beyond typical depreciation periods. Regular maintenance and upgrades extend their lifecycle without compromising performance.

Resource-Efficient Software

By using efficient open-source software, we minimize the energy consumption of our hardware, conserving resources and budgets alike.

Reuse

Instead of replacing outdated or faulty hardware, we focus on upgrading and reusing individual components to minimize e-waste.

Efficient Code

Our software solutions are designed to operate with minimal computing resources, reducing energy consumption in IT infrastructure and preserving hardware longevity.

The Truth Behind the Hardware Hype

In the 80s and 90s, the IT world experienced rapid advancements, with new processors offering higher clock rates and improved performance every six months. This era was marked by a constant race for higher speeds and bandwidths.

However, over the last 15 to 20 years, this pace has slowed significantly. Modern processors largely operate within a clock speed range of 4.5 to 5.1 GHz, and the increase in processor cores has also stagnated. While some specialized applications, like 3D rendering or scientific calculations, benefit from multiple cores, the majority of everyday software is not optimized for multi-core architectures. Many daily applications, including office software and web browsers, often use only one or a few cores at a time, meaning available computing resources are frequently underutilized.

Instead of focusing on pure speed increases, the industry is increasingly moving towards energy-efficient multi-core architectures and parallel processing to extract more performance from existing hardware.

Despite this development, some software vendors continue to push for the purchase of new hardware, fostering the belief that modern applications always require more powerful machines. In many cases, however, older hardware could easily be reused if the software were optimized accordingly. This artificially created demand for new hardware often serves to increase software license sales.

This trend demonstrates that consciously using existing hardware and resource-efficient software is not only environmentally friendly but also cost-effective. It’s time to critically question the need for constant hardware upgrades.

From Our Labs: How We Rethink Technology

Mobile Alternative – Sustainable Use of Smartphones

Each year, millions of smartphones end up as waste. We extend the lifespan of these devices through software optimizations and hardware upgrades, reducing e-waste. One example: the Samsung Galaxy S4, which we updated to Android 12 with LineageOS 19.1. This makes the device run faster and more efficiently than ever before, showing how old hardware can continue to be powerful and resource-efficient.

Maximum Efficiency: Office IT That Runs for 10 Years Without Compromises

Office computers are often replaced after 3 to 5 years, but our experience shows that higher-quality hardware combined with open-source software can last up to 10 years without issue. As technological development slows, older computers can be used efficiently without any loss in performance. Resource-efficient software and regular maintenance save not only costs but also reduce e-waste. Our systems run stably even after 10 years – hardware refreshes are made only for new technologies, not out of technical necessity.

Forgotten Routers: A Second Life for Millions of Devices

Millions of routers end up in drawers or the trash after a short period of use. In our labs, we explore how such devices can be put to good use. With open-source firmware like OpenWRT, old routers can be repurposed into mesh networks or IoT gateways, extending their lifespan and saving resources. We’re also working on systematic programs for router returns and reuse – recycling initiatives would be a first step.

Customer Benefits of Our Sustainable IT Solutions

Sustainable IT Solutions – Economical and Responsible

Our approaches to sustainable IT offer businesses not only long-term cost savings but also a positive contribution to environmental protection. By utilizing durable hardware and open-source software, your IT remains efficient, flexible, and economical. Here are the key benefits at a glance.

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Long-Term Cost Savings

By using durable hardware and optimized software, we reduce the need for expensive upgrades. Companies benefit from a stable IT infrastructure without constant reinvestment.

Reduced Downtime

Stability and performance are maintained over the years, minimizing unexpected downtime. This ensures smooth business operations and higher productivity.

Sustainable Image for Your Business

By adopting sustainable IT solutions, you strengthen your brand image and position yourself as a responsible company that takes environmental protection seriously.

Competitive Advantage Through Environmental Awareness

Less e-waste and a reduced carbon footprint – these are crucial points for your CSR efforts and send a strong message to your customers and partners.

Transform Your IT – Sustainable and Efficient

Let’s take your IT infrastructure to the next level together – for a greener, more stable, and cost-efficient future. We’ll show you how.

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