How GreenTek Decommissioned A Full Data Center with 4,000 Assets in Just 5 Days—While Following R2v3 Guidelines

Decommissioning a large data center can be an overwhelming and costly challenge, especially under tight deadlines and complex requirements. However, with the right IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) partner and a strategic approach, even the most demanding projects can be executed flawlessly.

When a software company approached GreenTek Solutions (GTS), they were in a uniquely precarious position. Not only did they need to decommission a $1M+ colocation data center with 300 full-server racks, but they also lacked local employees to facilitate the project. They needed a partner they could trust.

Adding to the challenge was a rapidly approaching deadline. The company had just under a month to complete the entire process—a scope typically planned over six months. Missing the deadline to remove the servers, switches, routers, and storage arrays from the data center would result in another full month of rent, approximately $100,000.

The client’s IT assets were like-new, from premium brands such as Cisco, HP, Juniper, Arista, and Dell. They sought an ITAD vendor who could decommission their data center and offer fair market value, while ensuring proper recycling or disposal of end-of-life assets. The vendor also needed to hold an R2v3 certification and the required insurance policies, recycling practices, and data destruction methods.

With time running out and a hefty late departure fee looming, the software company engaged GreenTek Solutions—who left no time to waste.

Immediately after engaging with the client’s IT leadership, GreenTek’s team mobilized. Leveraging previous experience from large data center decommissioning projects, the GTS team came onsite to lead the project. By following a stringent decommissioning plan and maintaining frequent communication, the data center became progressively emptier each day.

As GreenTek team members removed equipment from racks, securely packed items for transport, and organized miles of cables, the GTS experts strategized to maximize sale prices for the used equipment.

Just five days later, the data center was fully cleared of IT equipment, safely avoiding the landlord’s penalty. With the overall project deadline still in mind, GreenTek securely transported the items to GTS HQ and completed extensive data sanitization and audit processes within three weeks.

GreenTek inventoried the assets, provided comprehensive chain of custody and data erasure/destruction reports, and offered a competitive, fair market value price for all the IT assets. The client received payment soon after.

GreenTek not only beat the month turnaround but also recaptured a substantial amount of IT equipment investment for the client while adhering to all R2v3 standards. Remarkably, the software company paid absolutely nothing for the decommissioning, transport, data destruction/erasure, inventorying, or equipment remarketing.

If you are planning a data center decommissioning or any ITAD project with quick turnarounds or other complexities, GreenTek Solutions can help. Discover how we can assist in recovering your IT investments and ensuring a seamless decommissioning process. Get in touch with our team now to learn how we can help!