Are you looking to purchase a server but are a little confused on the terms retailers use to describe them? Which one is better for your current business needs? These are only a few of the common questions that arise when purchasing IT equipment. When you do not know the answers, it can be difficult to get the best price for what you need. This smallest amount of knowledge can make a big difference in the effectiveness of the equipment your company purchases. The most commonly used terms associated with this equipment are new, factory sealed, remanufactured, refurbished, and as-is.

New equipment has not been used in any way. It comes directly from a dealer or authorized channel. All an authorized channel means is that it was sold by one of the manufacturer’s representatives and that they received commission for the sale. New IT equipment comes with a complete manufacturer’s warranty. Factory-sealed equipment is new but has not been distributed through an authorized channel. On average, they cost forty percent less than new; however, the warranty does not always transfer over. Equipment that is factory-sealed may have the option of purchasing a maintenance contract.

Many manufacturers re-sell used equipment. These items are commonly referred to as remanufactured. These are the same as refurbished IT equipment, but named differently because the task has been done by the manufacturer. They audit, test, and update the equipment for re-sell. Refurbished equipment has been through the same processes as remanufactured items but is completed through a third party. The newest operating systems are installed and drivers are updated. This equipment can be as much as ninety percent less than the cost to purchase it new.

Used is a term that includes all IT equipment that has been previously used and that does not fall into the refurbished or remanufactured categories. Servers and other equipment qualified as used do not have to meet the standards set by the auditing and testing processes mentioned above and also do not normally come with a warranty. As-is and used are quite interchangeable. These items are sold without any updates and have very limited testing procedures. They are often the cheapest in price, but have the major drawback of being stuck with whatever you get.

Now that you have a good idea of what all the technology equipment terms mean, it becomes evident that refurbished tower servers are not that different from new servers in functionality. New equipment has never been used and is protected by the manufacturer’s warranty and support. Refurbished tower servers are restored to a like new condition and are also available with full warranties and support to insure dependability. The only major difference between the two is that when you buy a server new, there is large price tag to be paid. Refurbished servers give you the same quality but at a fraction of the cost. The decision comes down to how much you have available to spend and the purpose of the server.