What to Do with Old Server Racks?

Although server furniture is durable, it is replaced from time to time. System administrators change server cabinets due to different reasons. A cabinet can become too small if a network system grows too rapidly and exceeds its capacity. Or, the furniture piece can deteriorate over time, and the business may require a new model with improved functionalities, fasteners, and tech holes.

As for IT equipment, it deteriorates even quicker. Smart minds of our fast-developing world create new devices so quickly that more powerful, more versatile, and smart hardware appears on a regular basis. System administrators face the necessity to replace PCs, servers, and other network hardware due to obsolescence or breaking.

Reasons can be different. Yet, you should not forget that server furniture and hardware require proper disposal. IT apparatus significantly influences the environment. Its improper disposal can lead to pollution of soil, water, and air.

Tips on How to Dispose of Server Hardware

Now, let’s see what to do with old server racks. Before you get down to dispose of an old server furniture piece, make sure to go through the following stages:

1. Check whether the height of your server rack cabinet fits the doorway. Usually, server cabinets are transported disassembled and are assembled directly in server rooms or offices. Thus, if you do not want to disassemble it once again and want to replace it in an assembled shape, measure whether the height of the door is enough to carry the furniture piece.

2. Next, make sure that all the power units, cords, and other electrical devices are turned off. Disarrange a server system only after completely switching off the power.

3. Unplug server racks. Make sure that server cabinets are not connected with each other.

4. Do not leave equipment on racks. Make sure that all the devices are unfastened. Even if you want to dispose of both furniture and hardware, they require different types of disposal, Thus, in no case, throw them out together.

Skilled system administrators recommend developing a plan of replacement. This will be helpful since it will simplify and speed up the process. All steps will be structured. Thus, the staff will spend less time on server cabinet replacement, which will reduce system downtime.

Things to Do When Replacing Obsolescent IT Equipment

The replacement of network equipment is not just about taking one apparatus off and throwing it to the dump. Such neglect can turn into serious problems for both business and nature. As a rule, the following measures are taken before the disposal of computing hardware:

1. Data theft. Note that the disposal of servers or other network equipment requires particular attention. Even an obsolescent or damaged server saves backup copies of strategic information, such as trade secrets, information about partners, contractors, etc. For skilled software engineers or hackers it is not a problem to datum from backup copies or even protected files. Thus, large companies risk becoming a victim of data theft or other illegal actions via the use of thrown devices. This is why companies have to delete all the information from all the possible sources.

2. Proper disposal. The US legislation takes a lot of laws to protect information from illegal actions and secure businesses and private users from right infringement regarding their identities. This implies taking certain measures to destroy all the data before replacing equipment. The country has a branched system of laws that regulate the principles of data deletion in each industry and sphere. Generally, this boils down to the necessity to either employ specialized secure file deletion tools that will clean all the resources in the case of apparatus replacement or destruct the physical body of the apparatus.

3. Impact on the environment. IT equipment contains substances that can be harmful to the environment and poison soil, water, or air. Thus, if you simply throw out a server or other devices to the dump, it will cause the pollution of several squares of land around. Poisonous chemical substances will leak into ground waters and enter our houses. Although it is not so evident, the server thrown out hundreds of kilometers away from you will ultimately harm your health. That is why it is worth using professional recycling services. Many specialized enterprises deal with network hardware disposal and recycling. They have all the needed tools and machines to dispose of servers.

4. Sometimes, businesses replace equipment not because of obsolescence but due to other reasons. For example, a more powerful server is needed. The system requires the newest model of switches or other devices. Thus, in some cases, system administrators replace well-functioning devices. Here, you can donate them to other businesses or private users who need them. If the server does not suit your business due to its low-power characteristics, the same apparatus can be perfect for smaller companies.

To draw the line, note that IT equipment needs to be replaced each 3-5 years. This is an average operation period for the smooth performance of computing equipment. Further, it will start lagging or won’t be able to cope with high-computing tasks due to deteriorated power, while modern programs require high productivity. Thus, network hardware replacement is a common case for system administrators. Yet, note that hardware requires proper disposal. Otherwise, they will harm the environment and humans. Moreover, competitors or ill-wishers can steal strategic information from apparatus. Thus, it is important to dispose of old server equipment correctly.