Press Release

IDC's Industry Insights Survey Reports Continued Support for Sustainability Initiatives Despite Current Economic Challenges

51% of Business Executives Surveyed Look to Vendors for Enhancing Applications to Meet Demand

FRAMINGHAM, Mass., December 10, 2008 – Several of IDC's Industry Insights companies, a series of industry-specific research and advisory firms, have collaborated on a survey exploring trends in how businesses are approaching sustainability initiatives today and the continuation of budget support for green projects. The companies – Energy Insights, Manufacturing Insights, and Global Retail Insights – surveyed over 350 businesses in North America and results provide both a cross-industry perspective as well as an industry-specific outlook on the topic.

Worldwide attention has been riveted on the prospect of global climate change and the pressure to reduce the emissions of greenhouse gases. There has been growing public pressure for companies to incorporate "green" initiatives and sustainability as a core of their business strategy. According to the findings of the study, for businesses, there is a recognition that corporations have a role to play in sustainability, understanding and growing their business opportunities and consumers' competitive choices, and evaluating the different costs and profits.

Results of the survey also found:

• 47% will buy new applications to implement green initiatives

• 39% will contract with external consulting organizations to assist in implementation

According to Jill Feblowitz, practice director at Energy Insights, "Across the sectors we've studied, we see significant increases in the emphasis that sustainability projects have received. We're pleased to report that sustainability influencers are plowing ahead with executive support and that spells good news for software and service providers."

In addition to the published reports, analysts will review the findings in a complimentary Web conference on Thursday, December 11 at 1:00 U.S. Eastern time. Kimberly Knickle will cover the Manufacturing sector, Jill Feblowitz will cover the Utilities sector, Catherine Madden will cover the Oil and Gas sector, and Leslie Hand will cover the Retail sector. The reports published on the survey results are:

• Attitudes and Trends: Sustainability and the Greening of Utilities in North America (EI215066)

• Sustainability Attitudes and Trends in Oil and Gas (EI215162)

• Attitudes and Trends Toward Greening Manufacturing and the Supply Chain in North America (MI215499)

• Attitudes and Trends Toward Greening Retail, Wholesale, and Distribution in North America (GRI215530)

These reports are available to clients of Industry Insights and qualified members of the media. To schedule an interview please contact Sarah Murray at sarahbethmurray@gmail.com. For more information about the reports or the web conference, contact insights@idc.com.

About IDC's Industry Insights Companies

IDC's Industry Insights companies provide industry executives with research-based advisory and consulting services that enable information technology (IT) and business executives to maximize the business value of their technology investments. Industry Insights cover the industry value chain for energy, financial services, government, health, and manufacturing. Staffed by senior analysts with extensive experience in their industries, Industry Insights provide a portfolio of offerings that are relevant to both IT and business needs.

For more information, please contact: