Shore Up Education Hardware Supply with Sustainable, Refurbished Technology
MSPs must help the education sector with sustainable hardware supply lines.
The demand for quality hardware has increased across all industries. Following the pandemic, when mass laptop distribution was urgently needed to cover an immediate switch to remote working, we are now seeing a continued demand for remote technology as people have adjusted and thrived in a new normal of hybrid working.
However, while the demand for technology has only been maintained over the past few years, current hardware supply lines need help to keep up.
This is especially true for educational establishments, where a high demand for bulk technology often leads to the biggest budgeting challenges. Similarly, with eco-conscious green targets rolling out across all industries, IT operators in education face a 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 communication channels are operable for all involved, and providing quality laptops and computer hardware to departments and students that require them, all while saving enough in pennies for other department spending, the problems are apparent.
Thankfully, sustainable technology supply lines overseen by trusted managed service providers (MSPs) could hold the key to not just a smooth transition to accessible and greener technology but also a fast transition in the window between the end of the last academic year and the start of the next.
### The Sustainable Hardware Demand Across Enterprise Technology
In a recent survey of Microsoft, Dell, and other sector leaders, 40% of IT leaders believed that a fifth of all laptops bought by enterprises will be pre-used, refurbished models by 2032. End users were also argued to be the drivers of faster adoption by suppliers, not just due to an increased need for hardware but also as a means of reducing business carbon footprints.
Many surveyed also believed that the main barrier to adopting these more sustainable devices has been a previous lack of quality. However, now that devices are available with 2 or 3-year RTB warranties and BSI accreditations, this is no longer the case. Options are out there; often, organizations just need a trusted provider to point them in the right direction.
This trend for purchasing refurbished IT equipment has already been reported as a growth area among MSPs. Yet the education sector could see the most significant benefits from this same-quality technology on a budget. Budgeting for education organizations is a major concern for IT teams, so instead of seeking the latest, up-to-date models, operators must turn to alternatives that provide similar quality, performance, and standards for a lower price.
### Maximizing Education Budgets with BSI-Certified Refurbishment
With diminishing funds across education, it is essential to ensure that devices meet the current use requirements of the student or teacher. Educators can trust that Windows 11-ready, BSI-certified refurbished IT equipment is an affordable alternative to new devices. The options are available, 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 be configured to meet standard education delivery needs. Keeping your IT running is vital for modern learning opportunities, but migrating to more sustainable IT options can ensure future-proof devices without added costs.
This year's National Association of Headteachers Conference highlighted that sourcing high-quality IT hardware can be a massive concern for education IT operators, who face the increased pressure of tighter budgets. Thankfully, the supply lines for refurbished and remanufactured devices are more accessible via MSPs. This will ensure that laptops and other devices meet the minimum standards required. Many refurbished equipment providers offer extended warranties with BSI accreditation and maintenance services that can provide educators with peace of mind.
### Getting Your Systems 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 shore up security while providing durable technology before it's too late.
This is also important to review WEEE policies and procedures to ensure the safe and secure disposal of legacy equipment – again something MSPs can help with. Many such devices can, in turn, go back into the system for refurbishment, reducing waste further.
To ensure the education sector is included as all industries transition to utilizing pre-used devices, MSPs must lead by example with IT support, taking charge in ultimately providing the best learning experiences across UK schools without sacrificing additional costs or adding to unsustainable consumption.
The demand for quality hardware has increased across all industries. Following the pandemic, when mass laptop distribution was urgently needed to cover an immediate switch to remote working, we are now seeing a continued demand for remote technology as people have adjusted and thrived in a new normal of hybrid working.
However, while the demand for technology has only been maintained over the past few years, current hardware supply lines need help to keep up.
This is especially true for educational establishments, where a high demand for bulk technology often leads to the biggest budgeting challenges. Similarly, with eco-conscious green targets rolling out across all industries, IT operators in education face a 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 communication channels are operable for all involved, and providing quality laptops and computer hardware to departments and students that require them, all while saving enough in pennies for other department spending, the problems are apparent.
Thankfully, sustainable technology supply lines overseen by trusted managed service providers (MSPs) could hold the key to not just a smooth transition to accessible and greener technology but also a fast transition in the window between the end of the last academic year and the start of the next.
### The Sustainable Hardware Demand Across Enterprise Technology
In a recent survey of Microsoft, Dell, and other sector leaders, 40% of IT leaders believed that a fifth of all laptops bought by enterprises will be pre-used, refurbished models by 2032. End users were also argued to be the drivers of faster adoption by suppliers, not just due to an increased need for hardware but also as a means of reducing business carbon footprints.
Many surveyed also believed that the main barrier to adopting these more sustainable devices has been a previous lack of quality. However, now that devices are available with 2 or 3-year RTB warranties and BSI accreditations, this is no longer the case. Options are out there; often, organizations just need a trusted provider to point them in the right direction.
This trend for purchasing refurbished IT equipment has already been reported as a growth area among MSPs. Yet the education sector could see the most significant benefits from this same-quality technology on a budget. Budgeting for education organizations is a major concern for IT teams, so instead of seeking the latest, up-to-date models, operators must turn to alternatives that provide similar quality, performance, and standards for a lower price.
### Maximizing Education Budgets with BSI-Certified Refurbishment
With diminishing funds across education, it is essential to ensure that devices meet the current use requirements of the student or teacher. Educators can trust that Windows 11-ready, BSI-certified refurbished IT equipment is an affordable alternative to new devices. The options are available, 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 be configured to meet standard education delivery needs. Keeping your IT running is vital for modern learning opportunities, but migrating to more sustainable IT options can ensure future-proof devices without added costs.
This year's National Association of Headteachers Conference highlighted that sourcing high-quality IT hardware can be a massive concern for education IT operators, who face the increased pressure of tighter budgets. Thankfully, the supply lines for refurbished and remanufactured devices are more accessible via MSPs. This will ensure that laptops and other devices meet the minimum standards required. Many refurbished equipment providers offer extended warranties with BSI accreditation and maintenance services that can provide educators with peace of mind.
### Getting Your Systems 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 shore up security while providing durable technology before it's too late.
This is also important to review WEEE policies and procedures to ensure the safe and secure disposal of legacy equipment – again something MSPs can help with. Many such devices can, in turn, go back into the system for refurbishment, reducing waste further.
To ensure the education sector is included as all industries transition to utilizing pre-used devices, MSPs must lead by example with IT support, taking charge in ultimately providing the best learning experiences across UK schools without sacrificing additional costs or adding to unsustainable consumption.