There are two angles consistently being regurgitated within the media at the moment, which have almost turned into catch phrases: the current economic climate and green IT. It seems that everywhere you look, someone, somewhere is writing about these same two topics. And while we all need versatility in our lives, the truth is, these two subjects are not going anywhere, anytime soon. So, until the recession passes and until the impact  humanity is having on the world ceases to be an issue, I will keep writing about the “current economic climate” and “green IT” to keep you informed on what is happening where and when. This edition is based on enterprise resource planning, a bit of a mouthful really and from here on and throughout the magazine will be referred to as ERP. What is really important about this platform is how it affects New Zealand businesses and how it can help pull New Zealand out of the global meltdown.I have spoken to some very smart people about why ERP systems are important to businesses and why they should adopt them, upgrade them or simply utilise them better. There also are very smart people who have in their own words discussed ERP and its benefits, its downfalls, its efficiencies and its potential to not only reduce IT-related costs but to help save the planet as well. There have been some changes made to IT Brief: for the first time in the magazine’s history there are features included in this issue. This is intended to discover the core of the issues pertaining to topics discussed in the magazine. It is something I want to continue and something I would appreciate feedback on. I hope you find the stories informative, I hope they make you think and in the words of Greenpeace, become leaders within political and business arenas to create change for the betterment of New Zealand businesses and Kiwi ingenuity. We are in a time of unprecedented economic instability, where creativity is being sidelined for cost-cutting measures. But as the contributors have aptly demonstrated, a few small steps taken now, a little foresight and planning could mean all the difference when the sun does come out to shine again.