Most businesses have a defined set of IT needs, but meeting the needs may conflict with adhering to a defined IT budget. When businesses are forced to choose between implementing the right IT components and preserving an IT budget, they consider investing in used hardware, such as refurbished IBM I Series servers. Before they invest in System I refurbished servers, businesses frequently ask the following questions.
What is the product history for I Series servers?
The IBM I Series platform began as the AS/400 platform in 1988. In 2001, the AS/400 platform became the eServer iSeries platform, which became the System I platform in 2006. In 2008, this platform became the IBM Power Systems Platform.
What types of businesses use them?
The System I platform is designed to accommodate mid-range IT needs. This makes them ideal for small and midsized businesses that need hardware for advanced business computing and accomplishing mission-critical IT objectives.
What are the benefits of using them?
The servers deliver several important benefits. For small and midsized businesses, these benefits include:
- Multiple file system support
- Automatic balancing of processor and memory resources
- Industry-leading virus protection and data encryption
- Reliable storage based on cluster architecture.
- Integrated middleware for business computing
A full list of benefits is available in IBM’s product literature, or from a seller of System I hardware.
What are the benefits of buying reconditioned hardware?
Refurbished IBM I Series hardware typically costs at least twenty-five percent less than comparable new hardware, but it offers the same performance and reliability as new hardware. Regardless of why a business invests in pre-owned hardware, buying refurbished servers is like getting new equipment for the price of used equipment.
Is buying used hardware wise for companies that have evolving IT needs?
Just because hardware is used does not mean it cannot accommodate evolving IT needs. Furthermore, just because hardware is new does not mean it will accommodate long-term IT needs. The key is for a business to evaluate its present and future IT needs, and then choose hardware that meets them. There is no reason why used hardware cannot offer the necessary support.
How should a seller of reconditioned hardware be evaluated?
A seller should be evaluated based on its business reputation and the quality of its services. Concerning business reputation, a seller should have a successful business history of at least two years, have a clean record at the Better Business Bureau (BBB), and have no trouble supplying a list of credible references. Concerning quality of services, a seller should provide pre-sale and post-sale technical support, offer a lifetime warranty on reconditioned hardware, and perform asset disposition.
Conclusion
Refurbished IBM I Series hardware is an excellent choice for companies that have mid-range IT needs. When they purchase used hardware, businesses should buy from a seller that offers a lifetime warranty for reconditioned components and provides ongoing technical support. For more information about the value of refurbished servers and other reconditioned IT components, contact a seller of new and used IT equipment.