NightWatchman Implementation to Begin

Starting with Spring Break, LTS will be introducing NightWatchman to UWEC. Implementation will continue through the summer with lab computers. Nightwatchman is a computer management tool for Windows machines that is designed to reduce energy consumption through centralized scheduling of computer hibernation. This software is expected to reduce UWEC’s computer energy consumption by at least 40%.

NightWatchman will be used to put most of the campus’s office Windows computers into hibernation mode at 6:00 p.m. and most lab Windows computers into hibernation at 10:00 p.m. Before the computer goes into hibernation mode, a warning will pop up giving the user an option to delay hibernation. This warning will then pop up every subsequent hour. Those who routinely use their office computers past 6:00 p.m. should contact the Help Desk for alternative hibernation options . To exit hibernation, all the user needs to do is press their computer’s power button.

LTS conducted a pilot implementation of Nightwatchman on its own desktop computers during the summer of 2008. Pre- and post-tests indicated that the University can realize a substantial energy savings when Nightwatchman is deployed throughout the campus.

Managing energy consumption is an important aspect of the University's strategic plan, and LTS anticipates that Nightwatchman will play an important role in our effort to steward physical resources.

Nightwatchman is produced by 1e, an international organization based in London, UK. The product is designed to work in concert with Microsoft's System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM) a product that LTS already employs to assist with computer hardware and software management. NightWatchman is not compatible with Macintosh computers. Energy saving software for Macintosh computers is being looked into for future implementation.