Maurice Uenuma, VP & GM, Americas, Blancco, on enterprises finding innovative ways to reduce costs and boost sustainability by recouping value from used IT assets rather than destroying them.
Enterprises face one of the most uncertain and challenging economic climates in recent memory, with some estimates placing the risk of recession as high as 40%. Roller coaster-like trade and tariff policies are roiling supply chains while the cost of maintaining tech stacks continues to rise. Ultimately, leaders are under growing pressure to maximise IT investments.
Anticipating a potential downturn, enterprises are looking for ways to cut costs and run leaner operations. Even before the year began, 92% of companies planned to implement cost savings relating to staff, processes or technology, according to Aberdeen Strategy & Research.
Rather than falling back on laying off staff vital to operations, business leaders can leverage creative strategies to find value in the old and unused computers, tablets and laptops currently taking up space in storage rooms and, in many cases, still operable. In fact, a recent survey of 2,000 global IT leaders found that 42% destroyed used laptops and desktops within the past 12 months of being surveyed, of which 32% of devices were still usable at the point of destruction. This asset destruction mindset is ingrained but unnecessary. Enterprises can significantly increase the return on investment from their used IT assets by either selling or donating them without compromising data security.
Establishing policies designed to extend the value of these IT assets can turn what might be considered waste into financial and sustainability gains. Selling used IT equipment enables enterprises to recoup some of their initial investment, reducing their overall technology spend and even supplementing the cost of upgrades to new AI-capable PCs, for example.
The importance of trusted partners
IT teams have more than enough to do on a typical day, which is why enterprises should rely on trusted IT asset disposition (ITAD) partners that specialise in preparing and processing assets for the secondary market. ITADs are experts at ensuring that used computers, laptops, tablets and storage devices are dealt with using data sanitisation processes that comply with leading industry standards such as NIST 800-88, IEEE 2883 and ISO/IEC 27040, which collectively aim to ensure the secure handling, protection and disposal of data stored on electronic media.
Once the certification of erasure is confirmed, ITADs can then assist enterprises with either donating used asset fleets to schools or nonprofits or selling them on the secondary market through wholesale partners, online marketplaces or directly to businesses.
Selling outdated equipment via an IT asset buyback programme allows businesses to recover costs, reduce storage and maintenance expenses and free up valuable space while reinvesting proceeds into newer, more efficient technologies.
Three strategies that enable enterprises to increase the return on investment for their overall technology spend while recouping value from used electronics include:
● Minimising data storage costs: Cloud storage costs continue to climb. According to a report from Cloudzero, 58% of organisations claim they’re spending too much on cloud storage and 14% describe their costs as “way too high.” As cloud expenses come under greater scrutiny, organisations are taking a closer look at what’s driving up costs, including redundant, obsolete or trivial (ROT) data that they hold and don’t need. This applies to on-premise storage as well.
● Extending IT asset refresh cycles: Many mobile devices and laptops are replaced long before their usable life ends. Depending on battery life and other factors, iPhones can last four to eight years while Android devices only receive software updates for two to three years post-release. Enterprises can extend refresh lifecycles by taking advantage of longer device lifespans and leveraging certified erasure before safely reassigning devices to other departments or employees that require less processing power.
● Donating used IT assets: Instead of destroying devices once they reach end of life, enterprises can use certified data sanitisation to safely donate IT assets to nonprofit organisations without worrying about data falling into the wrong hands or prematurely contributing to landfills. Donations not only help nonprofits and the people they serve but, depending on local and IRS rules, they may also offer tax deduction benefits.
Benefits go beyond monetary
Another ‘perk’ of committing to policies that extend the value of IT assets and the asset lifecycle is the contribution to the greater good by keeping electronics out of landfills. The critical nature of the global e-waste crisis can’t be understated. In fact, companies in North America are large contributors to the problem. According to a report from the Public Interest Research Groups, the US generates 6.9 million tons of e-waste comprised of mobile phones, computers, tablets, laptops and other digital devices annually. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that only 17.4% of e-waste is recycled, with the rest ending up in landfills or incinerators.
Reselling or donating used electronics promotes corporate sustainability goals and enhances environmental responsibility, which is increasingly important to stakeholders and consumers. The outcome of being a corporate ‘good citizen,’ such as contributing much-needed computers, tablets and laptops to schools, nonprofits or underserved communities and regions, actively demonstrates a commitment to creating a positive social impact and builds goodwill with the public.
Enterprises can truly benefit from both a monetary and branding perspective by extending the value of technology assets through resale on the secondary market or by donation, maximising the return on investment and promoting environmental sustainability by reducing e-waste. By giving technology a second life, enterprises can contribute to a more circular economy while supporting communities in need — a winning strategy that is both fiscally responsible and socially impactful.
