A survey from Emerson (NYSE: EMR) shows that, despite the global economic downturn, data center managers are investing in energy-efficiency initiatives to help manage operating expenses and reduce environmental impact.

The survey, from the Aperture Research Institute™ of Emerson Network Power, a business of Emerson and the global leader in enabling Business-Critical Continuity™, revealed that 87 percent of data center managers have implemented such efficiency initiatives in their facilities, but only 22 percent believe that the economic downturn will slow the pace of these efforts.

The same survey of more than 100 data center professionals showed that, with efficiency in mind, they are looking at ways to squeeze more from existing resources, with 80 percent of data center managers confident they can create at least 10 percent additional capacity through better management of existing IT assets. Thirty percent said they could find an additional 20 percent.

“The companies with the best chance of emerging from the current economic downturn strongly positioned to compete are those that invest in tools that enable them to gain actionable insight into their resource allocations,” said Andrew Fanara, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ENERGY STAR products program manager. “This information will enable them to make smart decisions that will result in cost savings and operational efficiency.”

A separate survey from Emerson Network Power of more than 120 members of its Data Center Users Group (DCUG) confirmed that IT budgets are tight but that energy efficiency remains a top-of-mind objective.

For instance, 47 percent of respondents listed energy efficiency as one of their top facilities and network concerns. Additionally, the current economic environment has forced 61 percent of respondents to cut budgets, while 35 percent of respondents have been forced to delay data center build or expansion projects.

“With the global economy in a downturn, data center managers are being faced with the combined challenge of rising demand for IT services and tightening budgets. This is forcing them to find new ways of doing more with less,” said Steve Yellen, principal of the Aperture Research Institute. “From the results of our survey, it appears that data center managers are placing a greater focus on utilization and efficiency of existing resources. This is likely to cause a revitalized focus on tools that provide insight into resource allocation and use.”

The latest Aperture Research Institute research note is available at www.apertureresearchinstitute.org, and the results of the spring 2009 DCUG survey are available on www.emersonnetworkpower.com.

About Emerson Network Power

Emerson Network Power, a business of Emerson (NYSE: EMR), is the global leader in enabling Business-Critical Continuity™ from grid to chip for telecommunication networks, data centers, and health care and industrial facilities. Emerson Network Power provides innovative solutions and expertise in areas including AC and DC power and precision cooling systems, embedded computing and power, integrated racks and enclosures, power switching and controls, monitoring, and connectivity. All solutions are supported globally by local Emerson Network Power service technicians. Learn more about Emerson Network Power products and services at www.emersonnetworkpower.com.

About Emerson

Emerson (NYSE: EMR), based in St. Louis, Missouri (USA), is a global leader in bringing technology and engineering together to provide innovative solutions to customers through its network power, process management, industrial automation, climate technologies, and appliance and tools businesses. Sales in fiscal 2008 were $24.8 billion, and Emerson is ranked 94th on the Fortune 500 list of America’s largest companies. For more information, visit www.Emerson.com.