When you hear the name Cisco, chances are the first words that come to mind for some are reliable networking and performance.  IT professionals have grown to know and use Cisco equipment based on the company’s reliability and track record in the IT and networking space. However, let’s be honest, not every company, especially SMBs can afford to buy brand new, out of the box equipment. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t purchase used Cisco routers or switches. Here are three reasons why used is the new, new.

Used Cisco Routers Are An Inexpensive Option.

It’s a no-brainer that by forgoing the purchase of brand new higher priced routers and choosing quality used Cisco routers, you will immediately save money, but that’s not where the cost savings stop.  Most distributors of used equipment back up their pre-owned equipment with certification mandates to prove it’s not just reused but also refurbished as well as warranties to ensure in the event something does go wrong, you’re covered.

Used Cisco Routers Are Just as Reliable as a New Cisco Routers.

Cisco has gained its popular reputation in the IT industry for good reason. Cisco’s products have to pass a number of quality checks before they are ready for mass production,  Even if a Cisco router is pre-owned, you can guarantee that due to the strict assessments it has to undergo, it will still be just as effective and luckily most used Cisco providers offer some sort of warranty just in case. And by utilizing a distributor who is just as efficient in their refurbishing process you can expect the best quality used product possible.

Lessen Your Need for Training.

If you are already familiar with using particular Cisco routers or other equipment, that’s half the battle. Not having to pay for additional training to learn how to navigate a different brand device as well as the time saved in productivity that would be lost for training purposes will help to save additional costs down the line as well.  The less money you spend on equipment, the more you can spend on areas of your business that are more in need of your funds.

Time and again, we have brought up various reasons why quality used network hardware is as good as new.  When it comes to any network hardware device, the term refurbished might not sound particularly appealing, however, that’s probably because not many people are aware of the stringent process that equipment has to go through before being qualified as a refurbished product. Another term for this process is reconditioning.

From a consumer standpoint, think of the countless refurbished cell phones that are distributed daily from carriers for customers who are not in the position to purchase a brand new phone every time they crack their screen or drop their smartphone in water.

The notion that just because a switch, router or even a conference phone has been used before makes it less reliable is the furthest thing from the truth. In fact, some would argue that based on the rigorous testing and re-testing that pre-owned equipment has to endure before it is even considered qualified to become refurbished, pre-owned is the next best thing to a brand new device.  Not to mention the fact that warranties ensure that in the event something happens to your phone or switch, you can send it back hassle-free.  Oh, and don’t forget that used equipment can be up to 90 percent cheaper than new network hardware when dealing with the right distributor.

If you’re anything like us here at CXtec, you love two things: refurbished network hardware and, of course, Star Wars. From a cursory glance, these two subject matters seem to have nothing in common. But as we were thinking about it recently, we realized something simple, yet potentially profound. Han Solo would definitely use refurbished networking hardware if he were an IT manager. Why? Let’s look at some evidence.

Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for good refurbished hardware at your side, kid.

1. The Millennium Falcon is the sweetest ride in the galaxy, and it’s made almost entirely of refurbished parts.

It’s a recurring theme in Episodes IV, V and VI. The Falcon is awesome, except for that one little glitch with the hyperdrive. Now that glitch did keep them from making the jump into hyperspace on several occasions, which was a real thorn in the side, but other than that the Falcon was in nearly perfect working order.

And this is despite the fact that it had been around the galaxy’s block a few times and had seen its share of wear and tear. Han and Chewie are shown working on it several times, doing repairs and keeping it in working order, and we have to assume they’re using refurbished and used parts. There is no way they were ordering OEM parts, not with their disdain for the Empire. No way, Han definitely stretched his budget further by getting used and refurbished parts.

So we have a ship that is comprised predominantly of used hardware, making the Kessel Run in less than twelve parsecs and outrunning Imperial starships. Plus, it essentially helps preserve freedom for the good citizens of the galaxy by helping destroy the Death Star twice. Clearly Han’s ingenuity and ability to make the most of his dollar went a long way for the rebellion.

2. “Never tell me the odds.”

What does Han say when 3PO wants to let him know the odds of successfully navigating an asteroid field? Yeah that’s right, “Never tell me the odds.” Clearly Han is a man who goes with his gut. He doesn’t sit there held prisoner by indecision, suffering from paralysis by analysis, and always searching for the safest, one-size-fits-all option.

Not our Han. He makes his decisions based on what feels right, and what works best for him. He wouldn’t choose to buy expensive, leading-edge hardware just because the OEM told him it was his safest bet. And he wouldn’t shy away from used gear just because manufacturers tried using scare tactics. No, Han was always confident and self-assured. He would have extended that confidence into his choice to purchase used hardware. He’d choose to get the best value with his hardware, as he clearly did with the Millennium Falcon.

Now just imagine if Han was able to score refurbished network hardware with a 99.51% reliability rating. Now those are odds he could get behind.

1. BECAUSE HAN SHOT FIRST.

You know all about the controversy. How you-know-who changed the scene of the standoff with Greedo. Since we’re old school we stand by the original version and we don’t make any excuses. Han shot Greedo first. It’s that simple. And he was justified.

Greedo was going to sell him out to Jabba. Not cool. Greedo knew exactly the kind of man he was crossing so the second he sat down in that booth he knew the dangers. Han is a man of action and Greedo should have known he would defend himself at all costs.

So why does this show that Han would love refurbished networking hardware? Simple. Because people who use refurbished hardware are awesome. They’re the kind of people who go to every length to get their organizations the best value in their networks. They don’t buy into the manufacturer hype and purchase nothing but new, thereby costing their organization additional budget money.

We need more Han Solos in this galaxy.

The people who utilize refurbished network hardware are the people who use their wits and their guts to deliver top-notch performance at the best price possible. People who are both book smart and street smart, and willing to make wise, real-world decisions that show initiative and courage. People just like Han Solo. We need more people like that.

So the next time you’re spec’ing out some refurb for your projects, walk a little taller, puff out your chest a little more, and know that you’re this galaxy’s Han Solo. But we don’t recommend when your boss asks about your network’s throughput speeds that you say, “She’s fast enough for you, old man.” Ya gotta draw the line somewhere!

Still not convinced on used hardware being a smart choice?  Well, we are going to continue providing reasons you should be.

Here are 3 more reasons you should be buying used network hardware

Used Network Hardware  =  Reduce Maintenance Costs

Forget the cost of purchasing the equipment for a second, on average, about how much are you spending just to maintain it? When you turn to an equipment manufacturer or distributor, don’t you expect them to provide you with a full service solution and do the work for you? Most providers of used equipment offer warranties so rather than going out and buying new equipment or enlisting in a third party to come fix it, your provider will either repair your used router or switch or swap the product for an alternative device.

Used Network Hardware Supports Your Company’s Go Green Initiative

Whether your system has gone paperless, or you’ve invested in a solar powered roof to keep the electricity bill down, the latest and most efficient way of supporting green efforts for a company is to buy high quality pre-owned equipment. Re-used hardware is the highest form of going green.  Consider how fast technology changes and how each piece of equipment becomes obsolete before it has the chance to acquire a layer of dust on its surface. By re-using network hardware, your company is ultimately lowering the demand for devices and decreasing the amount of equipment they have to produce.

Quality Used Network Hardware Products are Guaranteed… and Then Some

When researching any product or service, it’s always reassuring to know that you are completely covered with a reliable warranty plan. To understand the process of refurbished equipment, you have to first understand the stringent process and requirements each piece of used network hardware must first endure to become certified as usable. Some might say that used equipment has to go through the ringer even more to prove its efficiency to go back out into the market.

Used Network Hardware is a Low Cost Alternative

Let’s be honest, running a successful organization is all about making smart decisions  in order to focus funds on the most important goals of the company. So why take your chances spending top dollar for brand new equipment that can malfunction at any time and have to be serviced by an outside third-party when you can turn to a distributor that does all the heavy lifting for you? Quality used hardware provides a reliable solution comparable to an out-of-the-box device, but at a fraction of the cost.

Used Network hardware  Allows You to Upgrade Your Infrastructure at Your Own Pace

If you are on the IT side of your business, you have certainly had experience with fighting for a bigger budget in order to provide your employees with the right technology to get the job done. However, it’s unrealistic to assume that every company can afford to purchase equipment to support a complete IT overhaul. By purchasing used hardware, you can swap out each piece of equipment at your budget’s availability upgrading your infrastructure at your own pace.

With Used Network Hardware You Receive Your Equipment When You Need it, Not When it is Ready

How many times have you found yourself in a jam when your switch or router unexpectedly goes down and every minute lost is equally as detrimental monetarily? Dealing with a reputable, well established pre-owned distributor ensures that you get your equipment in an unparalleled time frame since they keep an inventory of high quality used and spare products ready to be shipped so customer wait time is minuscule in comparison to manufacturers who are constantly back ordered on new equipment.