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I was reminded this week that wisdom doesn't have an expiration date. You've probably heard the adage "Measure twice, cut once." It's just as apropos in today's software-, hardware-driven world.
The saying emphasizes the need to carefully consider all of the factors involved in a project so that neither time nor resources are wasted. That's the spirit behind Verizon's newest requirement for gear used in our networks.
The new requirement: that manufacturers use thermal modeling when designing circuit boards and equipment cabinets to be used in our network gear. The goal is to minimize heat generation that saps the efficiency of circuit boards and entire equipment assembly but that also requires costly air conditioning and heating in central offices, equipment vaults and other facilities.
Thermal modeling sounds complicated but essentially what we're asking our vendors to do is to use software (instead of costly prototypes) to simulate the heat flow around electrical components such as circuit boards during, not after, the design phase. When equipment generates less heat, it runs more efficiently and we use less energy to power heating and air conditioning at the thousands of facilities across the globe that are essential to running Verizon's advanced networks. Equipment makers will be required to submit thermal modeling results to Verizon starting July 2010.
Verizon's network compliance and quality assurance team shared with hardware manufacturers at their recent conference entitled "Optimization of Telecom Networks Through Energy Efficiency" held in Baltimore yesterday and today (Oct. 27 and 28). I spoke on a panel at the conference yesterday and heard firsthand a lot of positive feedback in response to the new requirement from industry leaders, other communications providers and even vendors.
This is part of our continuing effort to improve the efficiency of our networks. In January of this year, new purchasing rules went into effect and since then new equipment purchased for the company's network had to be 20 percent more energy efficient than the equipment it replaces. I'm proud to say these standards were an industry first that will have a cumulative effect as our competitors and other communications companies purchase and deploy the same energy-efficient equipment for their networks.
The new thermal management requirements will help equipment makers meet the 20 percent energy efficiency standard set by Verizon, by going to the heart of the problem and identifying efficiency issues before the equipment makes its way to the assembly line.
We'll keep looking for ways to squeeze out waste and increase the efficiency of our high-tech networks, but it's nice to know that some time-tested wisdom still stands.
To view vital speeches given by our authors, visit our speeches page.
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Kathy Brown
S.V.P., Public Policy Development and Corporate Responsibility
Kathy leads Verizon's global corporate responsibility initiatives and policy development. She also oversees the Verizon Foundation.
James Gowen
Chief Sustainability Officer/
V.P. of Services Operations
James oversees Verizon’s supply chain, vehicle fleet, investment recovery, purchasing and materials management and sustainability initiatives.
Rose Kirk
President, Verizon Foundation
Rose leads Verizon's philanthropic strategy with an emphasis on projects that demonstrate the use of Verizon's technology in addressing social issues such as education, domestic violence prevention and online safety. The Verizon Foundation is one of the 15 largest corporate foundations in America.
Jack McArtney
Director of Corporate and Community Responsibility
Jack promotes digital wellness and online safety. He works with parents, educators, service providers, application developers and industry leaders to foster responsible use of Verizon's mobile and broadband networks.
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