Strengthen the education hardware offering with sustainable, reconditioned technology
The demand for quality hardware has increased across all sectors. Post-pandemic, when mass laptop distribution was urgently needed to accommodate the immediate shift to remote working, we are now seeing continued demand for remote technology as people have adapted and thrived in a new normal of hybrid working.
However, while demand for technology has only been sustained in recent years, current hardware supply lines need help to keep up.
This is especially true for educational institutions where high demand for bulk technology and hardware often leads to the biggest budgetary challenges. Similarly, as environmentally conscious green targets are introduced across all sectors, education IT operators are faced with the need to go green without overspending.
Education as a sector is crying out for support; between the challenges of tightening cybersecurity against bad actors, ensuring communications channels are usable for everyone involved, and getting quality laptops and computer hardware to the departments and students who need them, all while saving enough money for other departmental expenses, the problems are there.
Fortunately, sustainable technology supply lines, overseen by trusted managed service providers (MSPs), could be the key to not only a smooth transition to accessible and greener technology, but also a rapid transition in the period between the end of the last academic years and the beginning of the new technology. the next.
Head of Supply Chain at Espria.
The demand for sustainable hardware in business technology
A recent survey of Microsoft, Dell and other industry leaders found that 40% of IT leaders believe that by 2032, one-fifth of all laptops purchased by businesses will be used, refurbished models. End users would also be the drivers of faster vendor adoption, not only because of the increased need for hardware, but also as a way to reduce companies’ carbon footprint.
Many of those surveyed also felt that the main barrier to adoption of these more durable devices was a previous lack of quality. However, with devices now available with 2 or 3 year RTB warranties and BSI accreditations, this is no longer the case. There are options; often organizations just need a trusted provider to point them in the right direction.
This trend for purchasing refurbished IT equipment is already being reported as a growth area among MSPs. Still, the education sector on a budget could see the key benefits of this technology at the same quality. Budgeting for educational organizations is a major concern for IT teams, so instead of looking for the latest, up-to-date models, operators should turn to alternatives that can offer similar quality, performance and standards at a lower price .
Maximize education budgets with BSI-certified renovation
As resources in education decrease, it is about ensuring that the devices used meet the current usage requirements of the student or teacher. Teachers can trust that Windows 11-ready, BSI-certified refurbished IT equipment is an affordable alternative to new devices. The options are there, but ensuring schools and colleges get the best sustainable solution for their needs requires expertise and industry-leading guarantees.
Currently, most MSPs will only recommend Windows 11 Pro devices from HP, Dell, and Lenovo. These would all be configured to meet standard educational delivery needs. Keeping your IT running is essential for modern learning, but by migrating to more sustainable IT options you can ensure devices are future-proof at no additional cost.
This year’s National Association of Headteachers conference highlighted that purchasing high-quality IT hardware can be a major concern for education IT operators as they face the increasing pressure of tighter budgets. Fortunately, the supply lines for refurbished and reconditioned devices are more accessible through MSPs. This ensures that laptops and other devices meet the minimum required standards. Many reconditioned equipment suppliers offer extended warranties with BSI accreditation and maintenance services that can give teachers peace of mind.
Make sure your systems are secure ahead of Back-to-School season
With the end of summer and back-to-school season approaching, schools urgently need to prepare their technology for the new academic year. Ensuring devices are secure and ready for the year ahead can be a pain point for IT operators who need to strengthen security while delivering sustainable technology before it’s too late.
This is also important to review WEEE policies and procedures to ensure the safe disposal of outdated equipment β ββagain something MSPs can help with. Many such devices can in turn be brought back into the system for refurbishment, further reducing waste.
To ensure the education sector is involved as all sectors move to used devices, MSPs must lead by example with IT support and take the lead to ultimately deliver the best learning experiences in UK schools without incurring additional costs sacrifice or increase unsustainable consumption.
We’ve highlighted the best business computers.
This article was produced as part of Ny BreakingPro’s Expert Insights channel, where we profile the best and brightest minds in today’s technology industry. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of Ny BreakingPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing, you can read more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro