While some people are increasingly enthusiastic about buying used technology, others are still quite hesitant about the subject. The reason for this is often the fear of receiving inferior and outdated equipment that could lead to a fault in the IT infrastructure or a loss of data.
To anticipate this concern: It is unfounded. If you know what to look out for when purchasing, used and refurbished IT hardware is a real benefit for you.
IT remarketing refers to the process of professionally refurbishing and reselling used and unused hardware. This hardware may include IT products such as networking equipment, servers, peripherals, computers or laptops. During this process, all data is certified as having been erased, and the product is refurbished by testing its functionality and bringing the device up to the latest standards. Refurbishment is closely linked to IT remarketing, although refurbishment focuses solely on technical reconditioning, whereas IT remarketing describes the entire process of collection, data erasure, reconditioning and resale. We label the devices as ‘fully refurbished’.
IT remarketing enables used hardware to be inspected, refurbished and put back into service. This helps to extend the useful life of existing IT equipment. This means that the equipment can be used for a further period after its initial phase of use.
Reusing second-hand IT hardware can reduce the need for new equipment. The environmental impacts associated with this depend, amongst other things, on the specific device, its remaining useful life and the alternative to reuse. This also includes the efficient operation and responsible disposal of IT products. You can find out more about Green IT in our expert article on sustainable information technology.
The three terms all belong to the same context, but are quickly mistakenly blurred into synonyms. However, there is a significant difference that will certainly influence your choice:
First of all, used means all devices that have already been in use. That is the only thing this term says and therefore nothing about the quality and condition of the hardware in question.
Refurbished IT hardware is also used - but is extensively checked for defects and refurbished before being resold. This includes, for example, the conscientious deletion of data, the replacement of faulty individual parts and cleaning.
In the remainder of this blog post, we are deliberately referring specifically to refurbished devices. This is also the reason why we at IT-Planet have specialized in a range of new and refurbished IT hardware.
It is not without reason that more and more suppliers are offering refurbished appliances as well as new ones. There are many advantages associated with the purchase. These apply to private users as well as companies of all sizes.
Our IT remarketing process comprises three key steps: the purchase of used hardware, its refurbishment, and its transport and resale. We place great importance on a clearly structured process and prioritise security, efficiency and maximum value retention.
The manufacturer supplies all devices and delivers them to customers, who then use them as first-time users, as these are products in mint condition. As soon as the first user stops using the product or acquires a new one, we step in with our IT remarketing service, highlighting how these unused or second-hand devices can be given a second life by professionally refurbishing them to ensure they are fully functional and of a very high standard.
We collect the devices from the customer, erase all data in accordance with certified procedures and standards, and assess the products. They are then professionally refurbished, cleaned and, where necessary, upgraded with new hardware. Following a successful functional test, quality is assured so that the device can be remarketed. Devices that cannot be reused are recycled or disposed of properly by us.
We generally recommend that you play it safe and opt for refurbished products. Particularly in the corporate context, you are just as protected in this way as with new devices.
To show the other side: Refrain from buying hardware declared as used from private sources. The term is elastic and can mean anything from inferior technology to minor signs of use, especially on popular flea market platforms. However, as you cannot claim any warranty or service here, in the worst case scenario you will be left with an interrupted IT infrastructure.
Make sure you buy from reputable sources. There are now various such providers and dealers of new hardware also offer a section with used products.
By the way: Refurbished does not immediately mean old! Contrary to a widespread assumption, you will not only receive discontinued models, but also modern technologies.
Attention also when selling used devices
Also look for a reputable provider when buying your used IT hardware (IT-Planet also buys hardware)! Ideally, you should delete all the data on your devices yourself before you hand them in. However, if you overlook something, it can quickly become very detrimental for you in the wrong hands. Professional refurbishers make sure that all data has been carefully deleted before the device is sold on.
As part of a major healthcare project, we worked with Dell to set up a high-performance IT infrastructure for the Saxon Hospital in Großschweidnitz. As the lead partner, we provided suitable Dell server and hardware solutions and oversaw their integration into the existing system environment.
Particular emphasis was placed on the use of refurbished Dell hardware. Alongside new systems, refurbished servers and components were specifically deployed to create a high-performance yet cost-effective infrastructure.
This project demonstrates that reliable and high-performance IT systems can be built using professionally refurbished hardware, even in demanding sectors such as healthcare. Furthermore, by using refurbished hardware, the hospital was able to save around 66% in costs without compromising on performance. This reduced operating costs and in doing so, it combines three objectives: cost-effectiveness, high availability and the reuse of refurbished IT hardware.
The result is a stable and scalable infrastructure for critical healthcare applications, as well as a successful collaboration between the customer, Dell and IT-Planet.
You can find more information about this implementation of a cost-effective and sustainable system for a hospital in our case study. Would you also like to modernise or expand your IT infrastructure? Simply submit your project enquiry via our enquiry form. We are happy to support you from planning through to implementation.
At IT-Planet, we offer you both as-new and refurbished network technology and IT hardware. The latter is not just a side business for us, but a priority. That is why you will find a large selection of used products from well-known manufacturers such as Cisco, APC, HPE Aruba or Juniper. Furthermore, the APC Factory Renewed UPSs are a good example of refurbished hardware sourced directly from the manufacturer, with quality assured. You can also find these in our shop.
Refurbished IT hardware comprises used devices that undergo a special reconditioning process. They are professionally refurbished, both technically and visually, before being resold. The devices are thoroughly tested, cleaned and repaired. Defective or worn components are replaced, often with more powerful parts, so that the device is fully functional again. Visual defects such as scratches or signs of wear are removed, so that refurbished devices look almost like new, but are more cost-effective than new products. In addition, all personal data is carefully deleted so that the devices can be reused without hesitation. Refurbished hardware is inspected, cleaned and, where necessary, repaired after an initial period of use. This enables the existing hardware to be used for a further cycle of use. At IT-Planet, you enjoy a longer warranty on our refurbished products than on new devices – namely 3 years.
Yes, used hardware is very well suited for use in companies of all sizes. It is safe because it is professionally refurbished and tested by certified specialist companies. If the used devices comply with GDPR standards, all personal data has been deleted, the hardware has been updated to the latest version and any existing security gaps have been closed. The operating system, firmware, BIOS and all security-related updates have been carried out and checked. With used devices from IT-Planet, you don't have to worry, because we place particular emphasis on security and quality, so all products come from certified refurbishers.
Refurbished devices come with a minimum warranty of 12 months by law. At IT-Planet, we go above and beyond: our refurbished products come with a 3-year warranty, which is one year longer than the warranty on new devices.
All personal data on used devices is completely deleted during the refurbishment process. Simply resetting the device to factory settings is often not enough to reliably remove all data.
There are various methods for permanently deleting data:
This way, companies and individuals can be sure that no sensitive information remains on the devices.
