Social Responsibility in the Web Hosting Industry

Published December 16, 2010

Portland, OR (PRWEB) August 18, 2005

As consumers and businesses become more aware of the implications of corporate social responsibility, it is increasingly impacting on who they do business with – including who hosts their web sites.

In a cut-throat industry where millions is spent on advertising annually and hosting company staff are often underpaid; all in the name of profits for a lucky few in upper management, some companies are re-evaluating their approach – with the focus of giving back to the community as a basis for growing a healthy business.

A web hosting company that has risen to the challenge is Portland based ThinkHost, Inc.; having actively pursued a progressive business model since they launched in 1999.

ThinkHost’s Executive Director, Vladislav Davidzon, defines the term progressive in relation to business as: “developing, supporting and promoting sustainable solutions that seek to achieve a common goal – a just, peaceful and environmentally harmonious world for our generation and those yet to come.”

So just how can a company grow by giving back? Mr. Davidzon explains, “We believe there are things that are more important than profit. Also, business without morality is as fatal to a democracy as the cancerous idea of growth for the sake of growth.”

ThinkHost actively supports human rights, social justice, environmental and grass roots democracy projects. Each year, the company donates many thousands of dollars in cash, services and time to social change causes around the world. Essentially, all of their profits are poured into social change work, rather than advertising or lavish perks.

ThinkHost’s hosting clients are encouraged and involved in referring such projects. The goodwill generated also brings in more fee-based clients, but as Mr. Davidzon states – ThinkHost doesn’t exist primarily to make a profit – they are here to make a difference.

“We believe in operating under the best sustainability principles that we can. Our entire staff “telecommutes” to work – no wasting of fossil fuels or contributing to global warming through trips to and from the office. We use little in the way of paper as data is stored electronically. Most of our staff use notebook computers and low power lighting, reducing electricity requirements.

One of the data centers in which our servers are housed is a Boma Go Green certified building and the other is powered (7%) by wind power. The balance of the value of electricity our servers consumed through non-renewable means is donated to environmental groups through the provision of free hosting. 2 of our staff offices are powered by 100% renewable energy via the purchase of green power credits.

We have no shareholders, no other investors and no “fat-cat” members of management. We do not waste money on expensive marketing campaigns; our promotions are for the most part very personal – direct contact with potential clients and partners. Our revenue is distributed amongst our staff, put back into improving our services and also returned to the community through various sponsorships.”

ThinkHost also encourages and applauds staff members who take their commitment beyond the company.

“For many of our team members, social responsibility extends beyond our business into our day-to-day lives. Some of our team, including myself, are also involved in external activities such as human rights activism, refugee advocacy, peace initiatives, drug and alcohol counseling, environmental rehabilitation and the sponsorship of families in third world countries.

This is what makes ThinkHost unique, and this is what it means to be a truly socially responsible company. We want to be a model for our competitors to follow suit, as the more of us who do will no doubt help create a better world.”

As more of the Enrons of the corporate world become exposed, many consumers are turning their backs on the glitzy and often gimmicky campaigns and turning towards companies who stand for something. It’s conceivable that business will meld even more into the community as time goes on, with the business strategies of today being shunned and used as a lesson to entrepreneurs and merchants of tomorrow – of how not to build a sustainable business.

For information: http://www.thinkhost.com/socialchange/

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