Data centres and businesses that host in-house need to handle significant workloads, which is why reliable and scalable equipment is always a top priority.
Because of that, many data-intensive businesses will look for brand new equipment rather than using refurbished servers, storage and networking gear.
However, with more rigid refurbishment, recertification and a drive to bolster business environmental standings, pre-used equipment is growing in popularity.
Encouragingly, refurbished gear now undergoes rigorous testing, leading to warranties that are as long as what manufacturers will offer for brand new products.
Refurbed server technology is proving very capable of handling enterprise workloads – but is it ready to take on the fast growing modern world of data?
AI and Machine learning
These days, most revamped servers have machine-learning capabilities. For example, when looking at Dell, the R720 and up has a specific focus on GPU computing (although tower servers are more suited to large enterprise workloads).
With many businesses looking to introduce their own custom built LLMs and operation-specific automation, it’s vital that servers can handle an AI workload.
Due to the nature of AI and machine learning, in which large tasks which would have been previously handled manually can be carried out in minutes, servers need to be able to endure a lot of data processing carried out at a fast rate.
Refurbished servers won’t have the same teething problems as new servers, and as GPUs (which are heavily impacted by AI) are replaceable, they will be able to consistently store and manage AI workloads relative to your operation’s scale.
If you have to scale up, you can do so without breaking the bank, as these servers are more cost-effective than brand new models.
Cybersecurity at scale
All servers, refurbished or new, should offer some form of:
- Physical security
- Network security
- OS security
Cyber crimes and hacking are very common occurrences, so servers are typically refurbished with impressive security capabilities.
It’s also becoming increasingly common for SMEs to be targeted by cybercriminals.
If there is one thing to overinvest in, it is cybersecurity.
However, while it is growing in importance, the ability to handle significant cybersecurity workloads has always been very important for manufacturers.
With that in mind, most refurbished servers are scalable to a point where they will always be able to protect data without compromising on overall capacity.
Private networks for remote workers
Remote workers may want to consider investing in a private network server to protect their sensitive data, as only authorised devices will be allowed to connect.
The good news is that there are plenty of quality refurbished private network servers for sale.
You’ll also need to consider the networking equipment that you use, from switches to routers.
Again, there are refurbished options that either come with vendor warranties or re-certified manufacturer guarantees from security-focused brands like Brocade.
Dell Refurbished Server Options
While there are plenty of brands out there, refurbished Dell servers are known for their reliability. This is in large part because Dell has a certification programme for their refurbished servers.
This means that you can buy a second hand Dell server with the confidence that it has gone through a vigorous multi-step testing process.
From tower servers to rack servers, you have a few different options to choose from, but regardless of which way you go, most Dell servers are incredibly scalable and prepared for modern data workloads.
Don’t count out certified refurbished servers
No matter your preferred specifications, there’s a certified refurbished server that’s perfect for you.
These servers are more affordable, better for the environment, and offer all the storage and modern data capabilities you need to run your business.
There is no reason to assume that refurbished servers are inferior to brand-new ones.
Just make sure you buy from a certified supplier that makes use of proper quality assurance processes.