Lifecycle of Computing Devices

IT departments like working with hardware that consistently operates at a high level of performance because this helps to promote a stress free work environment for equipment users.  Maintaining IT equipment to extend their life-cycles is an important function of corporate IT departments both from an operational and a financial standpoint.. The goal at hand is to reduce failures anddata-loss due to predictable event that do occur as a result of prolonged wear and tear over an extended period of time.

Performing preventative maintenance or just repairing or replacing old equipment is common place in all organizations. Change within a computer-based installation is a constant function. However, by taking into consideration the expected lifespan of your equipment, you can adequately forecast future budgets and avoid unnecessary downtime. 

IT departments frequently base their equipment life cycles on department accounting policies for expense purchases. A more reasonable alternative is to have the corporate CFO or budget manager plan budgets in accordance with known equipment mortality rates. IT service providers and IT departments commonly have a mix of different equipment in place. The result of this is that the devices employed have different warranties with different product life cycle lives, which makes for a complicated situation. A properly managed service provider can work with your business manager or office manager to plan accordingly by monitoring the age and performance levels of your devices. This approach will result in fewer headaches in the long run and a significant reduction in the time spent pleading with to your CFO to replace a piece of equipment when its too late to save it. No one likes to hear about unplanned expenses that really could put a significant dent in an already fragile department budget.

Here are some key things to look out for:

Key Features

• Length of Coverage: For new items, coverage lasts 2 to 5 years, and starts at the date of the purchase. For used/refurbished items, coverage lasts 1 to 2 years, and coverage starts the day after the manufacturer’s warranty expires.
• Coverage Amount: For replacement payments, you’ll be given the full amount that you paid for the item. For repairs, they will continue to repair the item until the maximum value you paid for the item has been reached.
• Accidental Damage from Handling (ADH): You can purchase ADH insurance as an additional coverage and it covers drops, spills, and other accidental damage that may come up.  I highly recommend this when purchasing mobile devices, PC’s, and tablets.

In this economy, budgets are extremely tight and senior management wants to get the most out of the equipment they purchase before having to replace it. Unplanned circumstances arise more frequently than not and equipment warranties should provide the relief that is needed. IT equipment does fail at the most unexpected times and usually at the wrong time!  Hopefully, your IT department can back you up quickly if that moment does occur, with extra hardware that may be available. In the end, however, it is always the best option to have your managed service provider or IT department monitor your devices closely – a procedure that will minimize those dreaded crashes.

Written by IT Support and IT Consulting Professionals at FedSolutions.  Thanks for stopping by!