Upgrading to new hardware is always an exciting time. The benefits of reduced costs, improved customer service and increased employee morale, are all important factors that allow a business to grow and prosper. But what should companies do with their old hardware?

Old hardware is essentially obsolete – something that is outdated, no longer useful, or no longer manufactured. However, companies should find appropriate ways of disposal. Here’s how:

Back up all the important and useful data

Instead of carelessly dumping the hardware at some random landfill site, companies should first retrieve all the essential data stored on the device before doing anything else. This data could come in very handy at some point down the line. So having it available on another device in storage will ensure that the business doesn’t encounter any problems.

This backup process can be done via the following: tape drives, optical storage, SD cards, flash drives, hard disk drives, network drives, or offsite storage services such as the Cloud. This should be done either way as businesses are always at risk of some sort of hazard, be it a failure in the hardware itself or a natural disaster. Whatever it may be, having the data stored in multiple secure places ensure the business’s future is intact for the foreseeable future.

Companies should have multiple backups. We recommend backing up in an intangible way, such as the Cloud, as well as a tangible way, such as an HDD. This gives the company an out if the tangible data is lost, stolen or damaged in any way. Size up the amount of data that needs storing and choose wisely.

Wipe all the data that is completely useless.

Then it is time to erase all the data that the company doesn’t need from the hardware. A factory reset is not the way to go about it, however. This is because the data still remains in some capacity for others to retrieve via sophisticated hacking tools. Companies cannot afford to let this happen as the data can be used in a damaging way, potentially leading to bankruptcy.

This is where WhiteCanyon’s WipeDrive 9 comes in to save the day! WhiteCanyon is a leading provider of security software, their solutions being constantly best-rated by consumers. They are trusted by organisations from Fortune 500 listed businesses to government agencies. So in the battle against identity theft, there is no one better than WhiteCanyon.

Their WipeDrive 9 product is the world’s most highly-certified hard drive wiping software. It ensures your data is completely erased and unrecoverable. In addition, the military-grade wiping technology overwrites your data multiple times using Department-of-Defense-approved wipe patterns, making it perfect for when companies need to delete ALL storage data. 

Again, we must reiterate that WipeDrive erases ALL data on the device. So backing up the data is necessary if the company wants to keep any of it for business needs. 

Dispose of the tech in an environmentally friendly way.

After backing up all the important data and deleting those files which are of no importance whatsoever, it is time to dispose of the hardware appropriately. Follow the reduce, repair, recycle method or donate to good causes that require the technology.

Reduce

This one suggests the company should minimise e-waste by purchasing fewer electronic devices and equipment. Stick with the technology for as long as possible until it is due a new upgrade.

Then purchase equipment when necessary.

Repair

Perhaps look to give the hardware a new lease of life with some maintenance upgrades. This works better with PCs as the components can be switched in and out pretty much at will.

But not for some other equipment.

Recycle

The components and parts of electronic devices are highly useful for recycling. In addition, there may be other businesses looking to repair their equipment, and recycled devices may be the answer.

There are plenty of recycling centres available.

Donate

And, if those options have been retired, then donate to charitable causes. For example, the Air Ambulance Service has a free IT Asset Reuse collection, similar to Computers for Charities.

These are great causes to get behind fully.

Get in touch with Global EMEA today.

At Global EMEA, we provide dedicated services to corporate clients in procurement, configuration, support, maintenance and end-of-life asset management. We are IT experts who understand that businesses want more from their IT. So when it’s time for an asset to retire, we will handle the process in a secure, responsible and environmentally friendly way.

To find out more, visit our website today! Alternatively, give us a call on 0345 340 3105 to speak directly to our team or fill out an enquiry form. We look forward to hearing from you and welcome any potential questions you may possibly have.