Data centers are the most critical and expensive, and improper disposition of data center equipment can result in data loss, data theft, and significant costs. IT asset disposition (ITAD) enterprises provide more than just simple disposition; their services encompass all IT assets, including data centers. As the storage hub for enterprise information, decommissioning is a tedious process. Partnering with an ITAD provider for data center solutions saves time, budget funds, and guarantees data security throughout the disposition process.
Data Centers: Non-Traditional Assets of a Digital Age
Technology has rapidly evolved during the last 30 years, ushering in a digital era that demands non-traditional IT assets for digital storage. Traditional devices, such as phones, computers, and printers, are now complemented by tablets, earbuds, and even household appliances. Each of these devices contains significant amounts of data that is stored in data centers. As a non-traditional asset, data centers are not often viewed as typical pieces of IT equipment; however, they are the most critical asset a company owns, and poor disposition can lead to data loss, legal issues, and data theft.
Decommissioning Challenges
Data center decommissioning presents numerous challenges and is often postponed or mishandled due to a lack of knowledge or budget restrictions. A primary concern when decommissioning a data center is data security. IT assets are more vulnerable after retirement because security measures are typically reduced, but data remains on hard drives until it is properly erased. There is also a risk of equipment theft if retired data centers are abandoned rather than properly decommissioned, which can lead to data leaks. Data breaches can cost millions, result in substantial legal fees, and lead to compliance violations. Proper data center decommissioning can be accomplished with the assistance of an ITAD provider such as HOBI, which offers end-of-use services that include data center solutions.
Data Center Solutions with ITAD
ITAD providers go beyond disposition, with services that ensure data protection, maximize asset value, and ensure legislative compliance while mitigating environmental liability.
ITAD providers offer data center solutions, including:
- Decommissioning
- Relocation
- Asset management and Remarketing
- Data destruction
- Environmental management
- Compliance and reporting
Data Security – ITAD providers offer on-site data erasure to ensure that all data is wiped before relocation or recycling, thereby protecting all data throughout the disposition process. HOBI employs three stages of data security to ensure client peace of mind, including a comprehensive data wipe using the HOBI Shield®. This internally developed data erasure tool completely removes all data from a device.
Decommissioning – ITAD providers offer on-site data center decommissioning and customized reverse logistics for asset relocation. The HOBI team handles everything from initial assessment to the final disposition, prioritizing data security and value recovery at every step.
Remarketing – HOBI leverages its extensive network and market expertise to provide remarketing asset services and repair and refurbishment services. Asset remarketing also contributes to a circular economy by reusing assets rather than discarding them. Reusing IT assets increases their value and helps contribute to a circular economy by keeping assets in circulation rather than discarding them.
For more information about our data center services or our other ITAD services, call 817-814-2620 or contact HOBI at sales@hobi.com.