How to Create Smarter IT Solutions in the Age of Big Data

Digital technologies are becoming one of the key tools for the European Union on its path to a sustainable future. Artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and other smart solutions are already helping reduce energy consumption, optimize resource use, and make businesses more environmentally friendly. However, to fully harness this potential, it is crucial to change the mindset in software development—focusing not only on functionality but also on efficiency, long-term maintenance, and environmental impact.

We live in a digital age where data is generated constantly and in massive volumes—it's estimated that 90% of all the world's data has been created in just the past few years. Moreover, the volume of data nearly doubles every two years. This means increased strain on servers and data centres, higher electricity consumption, and a greater environmental impact. Data storage and processing are becoming increasingly expensive—for both businesses and society as a whole. But this issue is solvable—or at least mitigable. IT systems and software can be designed to be not only powerful and user-friendly but also efficient and eco-conscious.

Thoughtful Data Management – The First Step Toward Efficiency

We often store data "just in case," but this approach causes more problems than benefits. Every file, email, or image takes up space and resources. These data are often stored for years, even when they are no longer useful. While this "better safe than sorry" mindset is understandable, it leads to enormous volumes of data requiring more powerful servers and more electricity.

Effective data management starts with a simple question: do we really need this data? While not always easy to answer, companies can perform regular data audits—reviewing what information is stored, how often it's used, and whether it’s truly necessary to keep. This is especially important for personal data, which should only be stored when there’s a clear purpose and legal basis, as required by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Sustainability Must Be Considered from the Start

An efficient system begins at the very first stage—idea and analysis. When a company starts planning a new system or mobile app, it’s important to understand what data is actually necessary and how it will be used. During this stage, business needs, user habits, and possible solutions are evaluated. Often, analysis reveals that large volumes of data aren’t required to achieve the desired outcome. A more thorough initial analysis helps save time, reduce development costs, and create faster, lower-resource software.

Choosing the Right Technology for the Solution

As a solution architect, one of my tasks in a project is helping to choose the most suitable technologies. This means ensuring not only that the system works, but that it's fast, reliable, and sustainable. For example, a system that processes payments requires higher security standards than a basic informational website. Therefore, it’s important from the outset to understand whether authentication is needed, whether the system must integrate with other platforms, or whether it will handle sensitive data. These decisions influence the choice of programming languages and tools. Sometimes, a seemingly complex solution pays off in the long run—being more efficient and using fewer resources.

Simple Design – Friendlier to People and the Environment

Design isn’t just about how a site looks—it also includes how it functions: how easy it is to navigate, how quickly actions can be taken, and how accessible information is. Complex designs may look impressive but often consume more data and energy. For example, colorful animations, intricate transitions, or unnecessary graphics not only hinder usability but also strain servers and user devices. It’s important to strike a balance—making systems attractive yet lightweight and fast. Features like dark mode or brightness adjustment can also enhance user comfort and save energy.

Early Consideration of System Maintenance

Once the software is developed, its lifecycle begins—usage and maintenance. During this phase, it’s important to continuously monitor system performance: is it running efficiently, are there errors, is performance degrading? Testing is equally critical—both before and after launch. Testing helps catch issues early and ensures the system works as intended. It can be done manually or automatically, but again, balance is key—only test what’s necessary, and consider the server load and energy usage involved.

Sustainability in IT – An Investment in the Future

A sustainable approach to software development isn’t just a theoretical concept or trend. It’s a real, practical strategy that helps companies operate more efficiently, save costs, and reduce environmental impact. Every stage of system development—from idea to maintenance—offers opportunities to make smarter choices. While this approach may require more planning and initial effort, the long-term benefits are clear—not just for company budgets, but for the environment we all share. A smart IT solution created today means a sustainable future tomorrow.