Your company is on the market for a new server that offers broad functionality and higher performance. Knowing what version and which brands are best can be confusing and difficult as there are so many choices. Do you buy a new server or lease one? How can you save money and still get everything that is needed in a server? These questions are not always easily answered. The wrong choice can be devastating to business productivity and leave you in a worse situation than when you started. Research is the key first step when making a purchase decision on any integral business technology component.

Many times buying a new server or data center component is not the best option. Refurbished and used hardware components are less expensive and often come with the support and quality that will meet or exceed the needs of the specific job they will be handling. Compatibility, performance, reliability and price should all be factored in when choosing a server. These key characteristics will determine which server is right and whether or not it is worth the money that will be spent.

A new server is protected by warranty and is certain to perform as expected; however, they are also very high in price and may not work for a set company budget. When new is out of the question, your next option is to buy refurbished or used servers. To be clear, these are not the same thing. Refurbished components have been previously used and are tested to ensure proper operation. A server can only be categorized as refurbished when it has passed specific manufacturer’s diagnostic tests. If it was heavily used or does not pass these tests, it is then classified as a used server, which does not commonly have a warranty. Used servers without a warranty can pose a significant risk. Refurbished servers have a warranty and receive much of the same support as new technology equipment. Due to significant pricing differences, typically 50-70% off list, it is always more beneficial to purchase used or refurbished servers.

Leasing is also very beneficial to companies that cannot buy a high-quality server outright. Lower cost, multiple manufacturer options, and speed of delivery are among the many benefits that come along with leased equipment. Leasing options are available regardless of whether the server is new, refurbished, or used. Leasing allows your company to get the best brand names in the business, including refurbished and used IBM computer servers, without waiting on long budget approval processes. Since IBM data center components are considered the best for a multitude of tasks, are dependable and provide optimal performance, they can be very costly when purchasing new. For these reasons, many companies choose to purchase or lease refurbished and used IBM computer servers.