Opting to scale IT infrastructure using refurbished tech is becoming increasingly popular.
It is cost-effective and a great marketing opportunity for enterprises and data centres looking to bolster their environmental standings.
There isn’t much of a sacrifice in quality either, with properly refurbished enterprise tech providing warranty-protected performance at any scale.
However, the refurbished buying market can be a little more murky than off-the-shelf tech.
There are lots of retailers selling ill-suited or sub par refurbished technology – it’s crucial to keep the following key points in mind when scaling your enterprise.
Not all refurbs are created equal
There is not a set standard for what a good refurbishment looks and performs like.
Do not opt for an ambiguously refurbished product when manufacturers are handing out certifications for quality refurbs.
Whether it’s a Dell refurbished server, or networking equipment with the Cisco refresh badge there are quality markers that you should be looking out for.
These certified products will perform as intended with warranty protection – and are worth the extra cost as the confidence that there is a minimised cybersecurity risk is invaluable.
Trusted retailers such as ETB Technologies have multi step refurbishing processes and configure to order options available for specialised operations.
Because you can go up a model doesn’t mean you should
While you may be paying a little extra for a certified refurbished product, it is a lot cheaper than buying brand new.
That may mean that you are able to get a slightly better model than expected – but that isn’t always worth opting for.
More storage means more operational costs, and larger amounts of data at risk of breach.
There is such a thing as ‘the right amount’ of upwards scaling, get what is required and whatever you save by opting for refurbished can go towards future further scaling.
The AI workload is easily underestimated
With the above being said, AI servers have had a big year and are likely to keep on growing through 2025.
If you are planning to bring on a LLM, AI reporting or other tools that leverage Artificial Intelligence that will be hosted in-house, consider the processing requirements.
With AI in its current form, the amount of storage and processing can become huge very quickly.
With that in mind – if in-house AI development is on the cards, factor that in and make sure you are getting Artificial Intelligence ready servers.
Avoid the pitfalls, reap the benefits
Scaling your IT infrastructure with refurbished technology can deliver significant cost savings and environmental benefits, but it’s not without its challenges.
By focusing on certified products, like Dell and Cisco refresh offerings, and purchasing from trusted retailers, you can mitigate risks and ensure reliable performance.
Balance your needs carefully as scaling too far or too fast can lead to unnecessary costs and cybersecurity concerns.
Additionally, plan ahead for resource-intensive AI workloads if they’re part of your roadmap. With careful planning and informed decisions, refurbished technology can offer a sustainable, high-performing solution for enterprise growth without compromising quality.