Used IBM Servers: Avoid Overlooking Less Obvious Buying Considerations

January 8th, 2013 admin

While it may seem trivial, the casing used to hold data storage and processing components is actually very important. An IBM server has to have appropriate cooling to continue operating efficiently. Failed fans, dust buildup, or an insufficient case can cause overheating which leads to additionally damaged parts. Cooling problems are very hard on the processor and may make odd errors occur during system usage. A new or used IBM server requires heat sinks, fans, and room for air circulation to receive optimal performance. Case design plays a big role in whether or not a business server remains at a safe temperature. Blade designs rely on the chassis to remain cool while rack and tower models require the right case design for this process. This information is important when buying these business hardware components.

Refurbished Networks: Why Should Cooling Features Be An Assessment Factor?

Refurbished network components have the same internal parts as those sold in new condition making certain considerations applicable regardless of the purchasing choice. Cooling features are not identical between servers but on average each one will contain a minimum of two fans. They draw cool air in through associated vents so it passes over all operational components. Warm air is pushed out of the casing by these parts as well. Case design determines how many fans will be needed as well as the size requirements for each one. A simple case fan may be included in a basic server while more advanced designs have intricate cooling systems as part of the overall design. Sensors are additional internal temperature regulation mechanisms attached to the main board, separate components, or the case itself. These sensors detect temperature increases and adjust fan speed to maintain a safe temperature range. Other safety mechanisms may be in place to detect severe changes for system shutdown. Knowing the importance of these cooling components is beneficial both in selection and care of a server.

Any business buying this particular refurbished network component should verify the proper casing, fans, sensors, and safety measures are included. In some instances, these items are not enough to protect internal parts. Industrial facilities are a good example because they produce a further amount of dust and contaminants. Immense amounts of these particles clog up vents, stop fan operation, and cause the overheating of various components. A business can purchase a casing capable of air filtering to reduce the effects of this type of environment. Air filters can be very beneficial but do require regular maintenance such as cleaning. Dirty filters or fans cause their own set of problems that can usually be avoided through simple maintenance. Servers typically have LED indicators built into their casing with the purpose of displaying system status by means of colors. While simple, all these components are essential to any used IBM server. Discuss this information before buying to be certain all temperature regulation parts are sufficient for the system being purchased. A dependable maintenance plan is another good idea to ensure all internal parts can receive the care they needed to guarantee hardware life.

Buying Refurbished IBM Servers: Tips for Making the Right Purchase

January 7th, 2013 admin

IBM’s servers are produced on the following platforms: x Series, i Series, p Series, and z Series. These platforms contain servers that meet entry-class, mid-range, high-range, and enterprise-class IT needs. Due to its resilient technology and scalability, IBM hardware is frequently purchased used – a decision that businesses should approach carefully. Refurbished IBM servers can offer remarkable performance for a great price. To ensure that they do, businesses should take the following steps before they purchase reconditioned units:

Inquire about the Seller’s Definition of Refurbishment

Refurbished equipment is variously defined as equipment that is resold after being returned to the manufacturer unused, has received light maintenance prior to being resold, or has been reconditioned prior to being resold. Naturally, most businesses hope to find used equipment that has been reconditioned according to the third definition. The best way to ensure that pre-owned equipment has been thoroughly inspected and reconditioned is to inquire about the seller’s definition of refurbishment.

Determine Whether the Warranty Offers Enough Protection

Most reconditioned hardware comes with a warranty for parts and labor that lasts between 30 – 90 days. For many businesses, this length of warranty offers insufficient protection against hardware failure; as most hardware fails as it ages and accrues wear. For this reason, businesses are wise to buy reconditioned hardware that comes with a lifetime warranty for parts and labor – a warranty that some leading sellers of refurbished servers currently offer.

Determine Whether Technical Support is Necessary

Leading sellers of refurbished IBM servers offer pre-sale and post-sale technical support to customers. The importance of this support depends on a business’ IT resources, specifically whether it staffs experts who can maintain the unit with a thorough understanding of that particular product. For companies that have a full-service IT department, the value of technical support may be negligible, but for businesses that lack an IT department, or lack technicians who have experience with IBM servers, the value is great.

Assess Whether the Seller is Reputable

Drawing a connection between the reputation of a seller and the reliability of its equipment may seem overzealous, but sellers who have a good reputation are typically known to sell good equipment, whereas sellers who have a bad reputation are commonly known to sell questionable equipment. When customers receive bad equipment, they are quick complain, which makes a seller’s record at the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and past customers valuable sources of information.

Before making a purchase, a business should evaluate the BBB record of the seller, speak with several of its former customers, and determine whether it has a successful business history – three measures that reveal whether the seller is reputable.

Conclusion

Refurbished IBM servers are an excellent choice for companies that need resilient, scalable servers for an affordable price. Capable of supporting IT environments that range from entry-class to enterprise-class, refurbished IBM servers can offer remarkable performance and reliability when they are chosen carefully – a task with which the steps above can help. To learn more about the value of reconditioned IT hardware, contact a leading seller of pre-owned IT components.

Refurbished IBM Servers: Five Reasons to Use Them

January 6th, 2013 admin

International Business Machines IT equipment provide dynamic support for all levels of IT infrastructure, from low capacity to enterprise level. In addition to being popular as a new hardware option, refurbished IBM servers are also popular as a used hardware option-a reflection of their architectural resilience and robust performance. If your business is shopping for a new IBM server, there are good reasons to consider buying it used. Below are five reasons why many companies choose to buy hardware used:

Longevity

Refurbished IT hardware is restored to like new condition. By taking the hardware apart, cleaning it, and replacing worn parts, the seller creates a used product that performs as reliably as it did when it was new. For buyers, the key is to know whether a seller refurbishes hardware by reconditioning it, or by servicing it as a part of regular maintenance. Reconditioned hardware is the kind you want.

IT Resilience

In most cases, software technology ages faster than hardware technology. Whereas a program can quickly become obsolete when a new release is issued, the functionality of hardware is typically longer lasting, and can often support several generations of the same software programs. For this reason, buying hardware that has excellent longevity to begin with can offer great value.

Low Price

Refurbished IBM servers are commonly sold for more than 30 percent off their original price. Buying new hardware that costs thousands of dollars can be financially burdensome for small and midsize businesses. Buying thoroughly reconditioned units helps these businesses upgrade IT capacity affordably.

Maintaining a Network

If your company has a network whose components are no longer in production, you may wish to extend the life of the network before you commit to implementing a new system. Buying used servers from sellers of refurbished hardware allows you to do this. By extending the life of your present IT system with used components, you can maximize your original investment in the system.

Preserves IT Budget

In the end, the money you save on used hardware can contribute to your IT budget, allowing you to diversify your hardware investments instead of investing a sizable amount of capital in just a few components. In many cases, buying a used server is like adding a five-figure sum to your IT equipment budget.

Conclusion

Today, most companies need a topnotch network server to compete in business area. Without one, they lack the ability to store data reliably, support the applications their employees use, and sustain the micro functions of a thriving IT network. When the price of a unit is too high, many companies opt to buy it in refurbished form-a move that saves money without resulting in a lower level of product quality.

Due to their superior resilience and robust performance, refurbished IBM servers offer great value when purchased used. If your company is shopping for a new IBM unit for your network, you should consider conserving your IT budget by purchasing the equipment secondhand. For more information on refurbished servers, contact a seller of pre-owned IT equipment today.

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