Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Used, New or Refurbished Servers: Which to Choose?

To fully mobilize your business, you would need to avail of modern technology such as servers, computers, and other networking equipment. You also have the option of hiring an in-house IT specialist to manage your company's computer system. Such equipment would increase productivity and make workflow more efficient and organized. Careful consideration should be applied in selecting what kind of server to purchase, especially if you are opting for used networking equipment. The wrong choices may cost you losses in profit and considerable downtime.

The first dilemma businesses may encounter is whether to purchase new or used HP servers. If your company has a sufficient budget, it is preferable to purchase brand new servers as these are equipped with the latest features and innovations. It would also be protected by a warranty which guarantees replacement or repair of server parts to reduce downtime. Used or refurbished servers are an ideal solution for small businesses that are looking for cost-effective alternatives.

Used servers are usually stocks larger companies dispatch when they upgrade their server systems and are sold by various certified software dealers and online shops. Although purchasing used servers is measure taken to reduce your company's expenses, it can cost you more in the long run due to defective server function. When purchasing used servers, it's best to ensure that they are sold from reputable and certified sources.

Other factors to be considered in buying used servers are its age and amount of use. Knowing these will help you gauge whether the used equipment you would buy is already worn-out or has outdated technology. Purchasing a used server that is only a few months old and has been moderately used proves to be most beneficial. Also determine what type of operating system the servers run on. Different operating systems have different features and capabilities, as well as considerations and limitations.

Choosing to purchase servers with multi-processors is ideal, especially if your servers would be subjected to heavy workload. Multi-processor servers are equipped with two or more CPU's to accommodate the large number of data to be processed. Bigger memory capacity may also be advantageous, but remember that you can conveniently and inexpensively increase your server's memory storage if necessary. Make sure that your servers' memory capacity is upgradeable.

Refurbished servers are also a feasible alternative. These basically are used servers that have been assessed, reformatted, and restored to their original factory settings by server manufacturers. All defective parts and motherboards of refurbished servers are replaced, and stocks are repackaged and sold with warranty coverage. Generally all refurbished, new, and used networking equipment can be capable of meeting a client's needs, as long as key qualifications are met.