Author: David G

There is no reason to avoid companies that sell used servers, as refurbished hardware can be just as useful as new, much more expensive equipment. Refurbished equipment, as long as it is purchased from a reputable dealer, usually offers the same level of performance that new hardware does.That may not seem intuitive, but most networks are not capped by their processing speed, but by their ability to handle memory, or RAM. Fortunately, refurbished systems that are only a couple generations old typically come with all of the RAM a business will require. In short, while the technical specs may look more impressive on a new piece of equipment, it won’t mean much in reality. What will matter, though, is the price tag.

What should a business look for in services that sell used servers?

A refurbished piece of equipment isn’t hardware that has outlived its usefulness. The word “used” may lead people into thinking the hardware is sold as is, but that’s not the case with a reputable dealer. When refurbishing the hardware, a reputable dealer will clean it out, identify any hardware issues and fix them (or replace the offending part, if necessary), update the hardware’s firmware to current iterations, install any critical patches, and test it for reliability and performance. By the time the hardware is made available to businesses, it has already been thoroughly assessed.

Locating a trustworthy dealer, though, is the real task. A company should always consider experience and manufacturer preferences when choosing a company to purchase hardware from. Some dealers are only capable of working with a couple brands, while others have a variety of experts on their team. Of course, if a business knows what brand it wants, a brand specialist will have the in-depth technical knowledge that companies often look for.

Even when purchasing refurbished equipment, it’s a significant investment, and a reputable service will understand that. They will be willing to guide the company through the installation and setup process, and even facilitate it if necessary. In fact, some services will even provide maintenance contracts, including the manufacturer original, to ensure the hardware is taken care of after installation. It’s important to understand, many businesses that sell used servers aren’t like big-box retailers. They are dedicated to working closely with their clients and can often provide ongoing technical support.

It’s that combination of thorough refurbishing and consistent support that ensures the hardware lasts. A business can expect their refurbished hardware to be just as reliable as newer systems, and with their much lower cost, it’s a smart way for an IT department to manage their budget.

Contrary to what many company owners think, a small business doesn’t need a server that’s fresh from the manufacturer. Purchasing new hardware can be quite expensive, and the new equipment has to be configured to the company’s needs, which will require additional resources.And though a new server features newer components, this doesn’t necessarily mean a boost in real performance. In fact, most companies won’t even notice the difference between new equipment and hardware that has been thoroughly refurbished. That is, as long as the refurbished hardware is sold by a trusted dealer.

What should a small business look for in server technology?

It all depends on what the company requires, and how large it is. A very small company (as in one that operates fewer than 10 computers at once) can likely get by without a tower, rack, or blade system for a while, but as soon as the company expands beyond 10 workspaces, it will likely need to consider an upgrade. Without dedicated hardware, the company will lose money on stifled productivity and error, so purchasing hardware should be considered a much needed investment. A company should also consider an upgrade when they need to manage a quickly growing database, customer management software, or memory intensive programs, like design or editing software. The extra memory boost can speed up workflow significantly, and make it possible to juggle advanced production software without loss of performance.

So which option is best for a small business? A tower server represents the most common transition from desktop servers to dedicated hardware. In fact, a rack looks like a high-end desktop PC, though it uses a completely different operating system. Several manufacturers put out tower systems, though HP and Dell are the most popular among them. Both can outfit a single tower system with up to 192 GB of RAM, hundreds of GB of internal storage, and lightning quick Xeon processors. Tower systems are compact, relatively quiet, and don’t require powerful cooling systems to operate. This makes them a popular option for a company that needs an entry level option, or for companies that aren’t projecting a lot of near-term growth.

For companies that expect persistent growth, they need a scalable solution. Rack and blade systems are designed for more heavy duty operations, and can be added onto as the company’s needs grow. Rack and blade systems are plugged in to a large chassis to keep them organized, but because several pieces of hardware are used in close proximity to one another, they need more room to operate and require additional cooling. A lot of companies dedicate a room to them for this reason. However, the extra accommodation is worth it, as these systems can feature more than a TB of RAM, and plenty of TBs of storage. This makes them the ideal choice for companies that maintain hundreds of workspaces and resource heavy applications.

No matter what system a company chooses, they should consider a refurbished system that is a generation or two old. This will provide a deep discount to the IT department and allow a company to manage their resources better without paying a small fortune.

Buying a server that is used is a cost effective solution to your business needs. There’s no denying that new hardware performs well and is reliable, but so is refurbished hardware, and refurbished equipment is a lot less expensive.

Setting up a network infrastructure can feel like an intimidating process, but when looking for a server, going used is a cost-effective, smart solution. There’s no denying that new hardware performs well and is reliable, but so is refurbished hardware, and refurbished equipment is a lot less expensive. But before a company settles on a piece of refurbished equipment, they should consult with a hardware expert they trust, as it’s important to consider all hardware options and brands before picking one.

Why should a business consider a refurbished server?

Used hardware may seem like a risky proposition to some businesses, but that fear is generally unfounded. Yes, it’s true that the wrong dealer may offer poor hardware and leave a company in a bad spot. But a trustworthy refurbishment expert and dealer will be able to produce a solid solution for any client. And a reputable expert will offer a solution that meets all of the company’s needs in terms of performance and reliability. In fact, a refurbishment expert can make the installation process quick and easy to manage, and will continue to provide support after the hardware has been set up.

But the major reason why companies go with a server that is used is cost. A new PowerEdge R630 straight from Dell will run a company around $3,000, which may seem like a great deal at first. But consider that this price is just for the hardware itself, and a few components that a business will need, like extra memory or an upgraded processor. A refurbished R630 in similar condition will typically cost hundreds less, and may be more than 50 percent off of the manufacturer price. And when a business picks refurbished equipment, they normally get the components they need with the system itself. That can greatly simplify the installation process and ensure that it provides excellent performance from the outset.

Refurbished hardware is intended for heavy use, so there is no worry about the system’s reliability, at least no worries that go beyond a typical installation. Practiced refurbishment experts work hard to restore their systems to excellent condition, and not just handing over an “as is” system for the client to deal with. An experienced refurbishment expert knows that the relationship with their client doesn’t end even after the hardware is installed, and will provide ongoing maintenance for the company.

It’s important to note that even when a company selects a server that is used, they don’t have to settle for an inferior brand or model. Dell, HP, Cisco and Sun hardware is available in refurbished form, and this includes respected models, such as the PowerEdge R610 and the Proliant DL380p line of hardware.

The key to a company’s smooth operation is a reliable network. A refurbishment expert can make that a reality for a company of any size, and do it with value in mind.

Some business owners may be reluctant to integrate a second hand server in their network infrastructure, but there are significant benefits to refurbished hardware.Just like in any other field, it is possible to restore used equipment back to like-new status, ensuring it can provide several years of performance for the company. A reputable refurbishment expert is also a valuable resource when choosing the hardware and setting it up, and will make sure a client doesn’t waste money during a purchase. In the current world of IT, where budgets are increasingly difficult to manage, a trusted dealer can make a huge difference for a company.

Why should a company consider a second hand server for their operations?

Perhaps most importantly, there is plenty of respected hardware available as refurbished equipment. Dell’s PowerEdge, HP’s Proliant, Cisco’s UCS and Oracle’s SPARC are some of the brands available, and all are respected for their reliability and capabilities. In other words, used equipment is safer than a lot of business owners realize.

The PowerEdge and Proliant lines, in particular, are constantly being added to, so both brands are still well-supported by their manufacturers. This also means that a business can find plenty of recently released hardware for greatly reduced prices. In some cases, heavily discounted equipment may only be a few years old, so it can perform well in most applications.

A reputable refurbishment expert can do quite a bit with a second hand server as well, setting it up to a company’s specifications before installation. This means consulting with the company about their network needs and determining what software should come packaged with the equipment. This will be set up prior to the hardware’s placement, so a business can utilize it to its fullest extent the day it is attached to the network. This is, of course, in addition to cleaning the hardware out so that it is ready to be used anew.

But what most company owners look for in a second hand server is affordability, and refurbished hardware does offer a major advantage here. New hardware can be extremely expensive for a business, especially for a small or medium sized business that needs to make an initial upgrade to their infrastructure. It makes much more sense for these companies to go with a refurbished piece of equipment and then scale up as their needs develop. It is easy for businesses to find refurbished rack or blade hardware that can grow with the company, improving its operations as time goes on.

Refurbished hardware offers comparable performance to a new model, and most small and mid-sized business owners won’t even notice the difference between the two. That’s because many applications don’t need the latest and greatest hardware to function. Refurbished servers allow a business to upgrade their network infrastructure without stressing the budget.

With cheap used servers, a business of any size can get a quality piece of hardware without destroying their budget. The fact is, companies don’t have to pay premium prices to get premium equipment, and there is a robust aftermarket for hardware and hardware components alike.And with this refurbished hardware, a company can focus its funds elsewhere and take on more important projects. Of course, a company will still wanting a piece of equipment that meets its performance needs, as well as its financial needs, and a refurbishment expert can help with locating that perfect hardware model.

Why should companies consider cheap used servers instead of current generation models?

Current generation equipment offers optimal performance, but this is often a level of performance that a company doesn’t truly need. This is especially true of smaller businesses, but plenty of large corporations waste money as well by upgrading to a degree that they don’t have to. In most typical office settings, hardware usually bottlenecks at the RAM level, which means as long as a company picks a piece of equipment that offers enough RAM, then it will likely function as needed.

So, a company doesn’t need top of the line hardware for its hardware infrastructure needs, but what makes cheap used servers a better option? For one, they are much more affordable than a new model. By opting for a refurbished piece of equipment, a business may save 50 percent or more off the price of a new hardware model, so companies can buy additional equipment or allocate their budgets elsewhere.

In addition to cost, though, refurbished hardware can be configured to a company’s precise needs, which isn’t always possible when buying new. In fact, a lot of new hardware models are loaded with unnecessary server and inefficient hardware configurations that have to be changed anyway. A refurbishment expert can handle this before installing the equipment and ensure that only the company’s software and configuration preferences are followed. A refurbishment expert will typically be willing to sit down with decision makers to determine what they need from the equipment.

The fear that some company owners have when opting for cheap used servers is that the hardware will fail right away or just not last as long. This isn’t a concern as long as a reputable refurbishment expert is on the job, as they will test every component to ensure the equipment is operating properly. Refurbishment experts also have access to replacement parts, so if something catastrophic does happen, they can fix the problem right away.

Finally, if a refurbishment expert has a maintenance contract tied to a piece of equipment, they will typically transfer it to the company. If there isn’t a contract already in place, a refurbishment expert can help produce one. This ensures that the hardware is never down for long if it is taken out unexpectedly.

Cheap used servers are a viable alternative for businesses that need to replace their hardware, and should be strongly considered whenever a company needs to make an infrastructure upgrade.

In today’s economic climate, it often makes more sense to buy used servers rather than new hardware, for several reasons. Cost, of course, is the most pressing reason, and why many small businesses and new startups elect for refurbished hardware instead.There may be a stigma attached to previously owned equipment, but what most clients don’t know is that reputable sellers maintain tight quality controls on their products, as does the original server manufacturer. In fact, many of the machines are off lease or factory refurbished equipment and is just as reliable and functional as equipment that may be several times more expensive.

When should a business buy used servers instead of a new piece of hardware?

It depends on what a company’s needs are. The reality is, new generation hardware does not offer huge performance differences any more. Often RAM is more of the deciding factor in server speed than the processor. What that means is that often times buying a used server does not mean a loss of performance. For smaller companies, it usually makes financial sense to purchase hardware that’s a generation behind, as long as it’s being purchased from a reputable seller. Older equipment that is not serviced, fixed, and updated before it is sold again will be unpredictable and reach the end of its life much faster. Often this is common with online auction sites. That cut-rate hardware may seem like a great deal at first, but when it fails a few months later, it can potentially create a nightmare. Fortunately, such disasters are fairly rare, as companies that sell poor quality hardware don’t remain in the industry for long.

In summary, if a business is okay with not buying new, they can find a system that is much more cost effective. Once the business starts growing and needs more from its network, there is always the possibility of upgrading.

What should a company look for in a seller?

The decision to buy used servers is a major one, requiring careful thought. And make sure the reseller can be trusted.

While experience is not a definite sign that a seller can be trusted, it’s usually a great indication. Again, it’s hard for a seller to stick around for long if they are selling a bad product. Make sure that the seller can explain its refurbishment processes clearly and thoroughly, as some services only perform basic upkeep, and this can lead to reduced life. A poorly controlled work environment, like one without grounding, can also impact the hardware’s life, so make sure this isn’t a problem.

Finally, is the seller willing to configure the hardware for the business, and do they have capable engineers on hand who can provide ongoing support if further configuration or updates are needed? Operating systems, diagnostics, and firmware are being improved all the time, and staying on the cutting edge will greatly improve performance.

The company’s network is, perhaps, its greatest asset. So make sure it is given the respect it deserves with hardware that is up to the task.

Opting for used sun servers can provide companies with more adequate and reliable hardware then when you buy new equipment. Here are 5 big reasons to choose refurbished over new servers

Used Sun servers are a viable option for all types of server needs. Sun servers are innovative products, designed and created to the highest standards, and they are built to provide many years of service. Refurbished models are a solid investment because of their quality and durability. They are a workhorse of a machine, being both reliable and long-lasting. They are known for fail-over features and built-in security. They can be found at seriously discounted prices, making them all the more attractive. Reputable dealers such as Source Tech thoroughly inspect, test, and put each server through its paces before deeming it worthy of re-marketing. Anyone unsure about the effectiveness of a refurbished model can give them a call, and they will gladly discuss requirements and make suggestions. A used server will provide more than adequate, long-term reliable service. Below are five reasons why Sun servers that are refurbished are as reliable as, and have many advantages over new servers:

1. The Quality is there to Begin With

The primary reason that used Sun servers prove to be such a sound investment and so beneficial to companies both large and small, is the quality craftsmanship that is built-in from the start. The name Sun represents advanced design, forward-thinking, power, and reliable engineering. Simply put, these servers, whether new or refurbished, get the job done.

2. Power

Used Sun servers can be installed in a variety of arrays. They deliver the power and processing speed needed, thanks to hardware such as Sparc, Intel, and AMD. Different companies have different requirements, so there are a variety of models and sizes from which to choose. Large enterprises that house data centers and small organizations that may only need a few workstations can easily be accommodated.

3. Seamless Scalability

Adding additional used Sun servers to an existing configuration is simple. They can be scaled extremely efficiently, without data loss. This is something that Sun is known for, and it is no less true in refurbished models.

4. Energy Efficient

In today’s world, renewable and sustainable energy are the preferred choices. More and more companies are going “green.” In this setting, energy efficiency is a sought after commodity. It just so happens that used Sun servers are enviro-friendly machines. They consume less power, yet deliver more punch than their contemporary counterparts. This is highly attractive to companies that feel a responsibility to do their part for the environment. Green solutions are not a mere fad; they have become part of the way that business is done.

5. Cost Effective

Finally, pre-owned Sun servers can be brought to market at a more than reasonable cost. This can represent substantial savings for high-yield, high-quality machines. A firm that is working within the confines of a budget, or a new company that is just starting out, will benefit greatly from the savings while still having a reliable, usable product that can be trusted to do the job.