Mythbusters: debunking common myths about circular servers

Circular items often come with various misconceptions and stigmas attached to them. Companies usually overlook this option, even though they would now more than ever benefit from adopting a more circular approach: from cost-savings to environmental benefits and better flexibility in upgrading their infrastructure, the advantages are numerous and incontestable. Even giants like Amazon are taking circularity seriously, implementing a network of specialized facilities to refurbish IT equipment for reuse in its cloud data centers.

Since this has been one of our areas of expertise for almost two decades now, we have heard it all. We thought it would be essential to debunk the most common myths about circular servers and, hopefully, open up some new, exciting possibilities for your business.

Myth 1: Circular servers are unreliable.

Reality: Circular servers are thoroughly tested and certified.

One of the most pervasive myths about circular servers is that they are unreliable. This misconception likely stems from the assumption that “circular” means “used” or “second-hand,” implying a higher likelihood of failure. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

At ynvolve, for example, circular servers undergo rigorous testing and certification processes. Each component is thoroughly inspected, tested, and, if necessary, replaced to ensure the server meets or exceeds the original manufacturer’s specifications. Our servers are restored to a condition comparable to new ones, offering reliability and performance. Additionally, we provide extensive warranties and support services worldwide, providing customers with peace of mind and assurance in their investment. Our ISO 9001 certification validates our commitment and capability to deliver top-performance servers and services to our partners consistently.

Myth 2: Circular servers are outdated.

Reality: Circular servers can be current and offer high-performance.

Another common misconception is that circular servers are outdated and unable to keep up with current technological demands. While it’s true that circular servers were previously used, they are still relevant.

Circular servers can be from recent product lines and equipped with the latest technology. In fact, many organizations upgrade their IT infrastructure regularly, leading to a surplus of relatively new servers that are then refurbished and resold. These servers offer excellent performance, scalability, and compatibility with modern applications and workloads at a fraction of the cost of new ones. Furthermore, we can combine new and circular hardware to create the perfect fit-for-purpose configuration that will align with your needs.

Myth 3: Circular servers are not cost-effective in the long run.

Reality: Circular servers offer significant cost savings without compromising quality.

Some believe that circular servers may have hidden costs, such as frequent repairs or higher maintenance requirements, making them less cost-effective in the long run. However, more clarification is needed about how circular servers are prepared and maintained.

Purchasing circular servers can lead to substantial cost savings, up to 80% off the new listed price. These savings can be reinvested into other areas of your business, such as software, services, or additional hardware. Furthermore, the rigorous testing and certification processes ensure that circular servers are reliable and require no more maintenance than new servers. With proper care and regular updates, circular servers will have a long lifespan, providing excellent value for your investment.

In their excellent report about the financial & sustainability case for circularity, ITRenew ran some simulations to compare TCO per server between BAU (business as usual) and CE (circular economy). The results speak for themselves:

Myth 4: Circular servers are not covered by warranties.

Reality: Circular servers come with comprehensive warranties and support.

A significant concern for many businesses is the need for warranty and support for circular servers. This myth can deter organizations from considering circular options, fearing they will be left without recourse if something goes wrong. This is far from reality, though. People usually only consider the manufacturer’s warranty and ignore third-party ones. Typically, the latter are more holistic and will include wider coverages, depending on the intermediary.

We completely understand the importance of a warranty and support in your purchasing decision. That’s why we, for example, offer comprehensive warranties covering parts and labor, ensuring that any issues are promptly addressed. Additionally, our support team is available to assist with any technical problems or questions, providing you with an even better level of service than you would expect with new equipment.

Myth 5: Circular servers are not environmentally friendly.

Reality: Circular servers are a sustainable IT solution.

This is a surprising assumption for us, but some think that circular servers are not environmentally friendly. However, the opposite is true. Choosing circular servers is an eco-conscious decision that contributes to reducing e-waste and conserving resources.

According to ITRenew, “The adoption of this business model by the global IT hardware industry can lower total cost of ownership (TCO) by 24% or more and decrease the data center industry’s greenhouse gas impact (measured in equivalent carbon dioxide, or CO2e) by as much as 24% or more.”

By opting for circular servers, you’re giving a second life to perfectly good hardware, reducing the demand for new equipment, and minimizing the environmental impact associated with manufacturing and disposal.

Myth 6: Circular servers are more prone to security issues.

Reality: Circular servers can be as safe as any other—everything depends on how they are maintained and configured.

Security is one of the main concerns for most organizations now, and understandably, people might be concerned when using circular hardware. The truth is that circular servers are upgraded and configured with the latest security solutions, just like new servers. When it comes to decommissioning, there are robust protocols in place for deleting data, and you can be sure that any sensitive information will be safely erased.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, myths die hard. However, we believe that it’s never too late (and always beneficial) to change your mind about anything, so we hope we’ve dispelled some of your concerns about circularity.

As we have seen, when it comes to performance, security, cost, durability, and warranty, circular servers can compete with any new solution at a much more competitive price. When you factor in environmental concerns and compliance with new regulations, taking a more circular approach to your IT needs is a no-brainer for us.

However, we recognize that any organization faces many challenges, which is why our team of experts is always on hand to help with any circular (and even rectangular) questions you may have.