Local IT Asset Disposal (ITAD) specialist Xperien has urged companies to dispose of their off-lease, redundant and faulty IT equipment in a safe and ecologically responsible manner.

The influx of new technology creates a corresponding and often overlooked increase in decommissioned IT assets. As a result, outdated laptops, desktops, LCD’s, servers and other IT equipment tend to quietly pile up in storage.

Xperien CEO Wale Arewa says these rapidly depreciating aged assets can pack a major financial punch. “This is a good time to schedule a year-end data destruction and asset disposal project and recover residual value form redundant IT equipment which could equate to around 10% of the original purchase price for assets around 5 years old.”

“Do you have tapes or hard drives that are being released and need to be destroyed or do you have computers, laptops, servers and other IT equipment that you want to clear out before year end," he asks.

Companies should however be extremely cautious when appointing asset disposal service providers. It is important to check for accreditations like ISO9001, ISO14001 or even membership to a professional body like International Association of IT Asset Managers (IAITAM).

He says very few companies offer ITAD as a core function and are able to provide a professional service. “It is important to remember that whilst you may appoint a service provider your liabilities are not transferrable.”

There are about 50 operators in the industry offering ITAD services but they range from scrap metal dealers, printer repair and service companies to managers supplying after hour services and moonlighting to their companies.

With the imminent appointment of the Information Regulator for the Protection of Personal Information Act (PoPI), companies need to understand the principles of ITAD and whilst disposing of these assets, they need to consider regulatory compliance and the protection of company information ahead of the implementation of the Act.

Arewa says customers can offset the cost of a secure IT asset-disposition program by realising its potential savings. “Retire your technology assets wisely by finding a third-party specialist with deep experience in secure IT asset disposition.”

“This trusted partner can help you find the metrics to convey a secure-asset disposition plan's ROI to budget-minded superiors. And once the job is underway, your partner will provide complete documentation of the disposal process. You'll rest assured that security regulations are being met,” he concludes.

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