What is ITAD – A guide to IT asset disposition

In the world of technology, obsolescence is an ever-looming reality and that is where ITAD comes in. Whether it’s a desktop computer, a smartphone or even just a piece of software, what was once cutting edge quickly becomes outdated and in need of replacement. As businesses and consumers alike amass more and more digital devices, all of which has a lifespan that eventually comes to an end. The device itself fails or your company decides to upgrade to a more advanced alternative with greater capabilities, power, and other desirable features.

Whatever the cause, every business must eventually get rid of its hardware safely. What to do with the old ones becomes an increasingly pressing question, is it as simple as tossing out old laptops and hard drives in the bin or is there more to it? That’s where ITAD comes in – short for “Information Technology Asset Disposition.”

What is ITAD?
It’s an area that focuses on technology assets like laptops, desktop computers, tablets, business equipment, cloud computing equipment, and smartphones at the end of their first lives by mitigating risks associated with compliance, data security, and environmental responsibility.

It specialises in streamlining asset management through remarketing. Where this isn’t feasible, components salvaged from these assets may be used to create new ones. Cutting-edge recycling methods can be used to extract valuable materials from IT hardware and replace the need for virgin resources where recycling is required.

Why use a ITAD service?

As technology advances at an ever-growing rate, obsolescence has become an accepted norm in the business world. However, what to do with outdated hardware is still a pressing question for many companies. An ITAD company offers a comprehensive solution that not only disposes of your organisation’s end-of-life assets but also offers data security and environmental sustainability.

There are a number of reasons why businesses choose to use a ITAD service. It deals with environmental and sustainability concerns, as old hardware can damage ecosystems and add to the total waste on the planet. A proper disposal or recycling policy can keep obsolescent devices out of landfills. Additionally, it can help businesses recoup some of the costs associated with upgrading to new technology. This brings down the total ownership cost of the IT assets and helps businesses reinvest those savings into other areas. In some cases, ITAD may even be required by law or company policy.

Security risks when disposing of electronic devices

In addition to environmental and financial benefits, there are also security concerns to consider when it comes to disposing of electronic devices. Data privacy between companies and individuals is of paramount importance in the digital age and proper ITAD protocols help to ensure that all data is wiped clean from a device before it leaves your company’s control.

This is done through a process of data destruction that adheres to industry-specific standards such as NIST 800-88 for hard drives. If not done properly, sensitive data can fall into the wrong hands and be used for malicious purposes. A reputable ITAD provider will have a systematic process in place to ensure that all data is wiped clean from devices before they are repurposed or recycled.

As global spending on IT assets and data centres is forecast to grow to $4.4 trillion, so too does the need for comprehensive ITAD solutions that can help businesses manage their end-of-life assets in a secure and sustainable way. Businesses need a plan for what to do with their old hardware and ITAD provides a comprehensive solution that takes into account environmental, financial, and security concerns.

What to look for in a ITAD service company

When choosing a company to manage your ITAD program, it’s important to make sure they have strict security protocols to protect your data. A complete audit trail should also be available to track each device from beginning to end.

Data destruction should be certified and completed on-site whenever possible. And finally where possible, make sure they use sustainable disposal practices to ensure that your old devices don’t end up in a landfill.

Participating in an ITAD program is a great way for businesses to focus on their core business activities, while still ensuring that their old devices are managed in a secure and sustainable way.

FAQ