When companies need to save money, they often buy used servers to minimize IT expenditures, but whether they purchase servers that perform well is another matter. If a company is considering purchasing used servers, but assistance in choosing pre-owned hardware that offers top-notch performance and reliability is required, the answers below will help.
What is the difference between used hardware and refurbished hardware?
Refurbished hardware is pre-owned hardware that has been reconditioned to look and perform like new. Used hardware is pre-owned hardware that has not undergone reconditioning. Reconditioning improves the performance and reliability of the hardware by replacing problematic parts and cleaning the interior. When pre-owned hardware is employed to support mission-critical IT objectives, purchasing refurbished equipment is the best option.
Is buying hardware at auctions a safe decision?
Unless the buyer has expertise in evaluating hardware, buying hardware at auctions is typically a risky choice. Sellers of refurbished hardware often buy IT equipment from auctions and improve the equipment before they resell it. Consequently, the safest option is to purchase equipment from a professional refurbisher of IT hardware.
What type of warranty is available for pre-owned hardware?
Sellers of used servers offer warranties of various lengths. The most extended warranties generally come with refurbished models and typically last between one month and a year. However, used servers that come with a lifetime warranty are also available. The more critical the hardware is for the business, the more necessary it is to purchase it from a seller offering a lifetime warranty.
What type of technical support is available for pre-owned hardware?
Most sellers of refurbished models provide free technical support before the sale to help the buyer choose the right hardware. Some sellers also offer free technical support after the sale to help the buyer integrate the hardware into the network. However, the customer typically pays for long-term technical support. If the company needs ongoing technical support for specific servers, purchasing the hardware from a seller that allows customers to pre-purchase technical support is a smart idea.
When is used hardware too old to be worth purchasing?
As long as the unit operates effectively and meets the buyer’s needs, it is not too old to purchase. With that said, servers that are old enough to lack contemporaneous IT capabilities such as virtualization are often not useful to modern businesses. The first step in buying any model – whether new or old – establishes what qualifications are needed now and in the future. As long as the hardware offers those capabilities, it is worth purchasing.
Conclusion
Buying used servers helps companies reduce IT expenditures, but unless companies buy hardware that offers excellent performance and reliability, the cost savings from purchasing previously owned hardware are negligible. Investing in used servers that have been refurbished is a perfect way to save money without purchasing low-quality hardware. For more information about buying pre-owned hardware, contact a seller of new and used hardware today.
