The True Cost of Data Center Hardware Upgrades

Regarding data center hardware upgrades, the true cost goes far beyond the initial purchase price of the new equipment. A number of factors need to be considered when budgeting for a hardware upgrade, including installation costs, support costs, and ongoing maintenance costs. Additionally, there is the opportunity cost of not investing in other areas of the business during the upgrade process.

The cost of IT hardware upgrades can be pretty daunting at first glance – you may see the cost of the new machine and its parts but often don’t consider the cost of lost productivity or decreased processing power while waiting for other devices to catch up. The average cost of such IT hardware upgrades is estimated to cost in the thousand dollars range, but this doesn’t take into account any downtime or lag time due to upgrades. Nor does it factor in any accidental damage that may occur during installation. It’s good practice for companies to plan for total cost when considering an IT hardware upgrade, as unforeseen events can become significant factors in their decision-making process.

What to consider when calculating the costs

The cost of IT hardware upgrades goes far beyond the server hardware itself. The costs associated with installation, operating system, and additional hardware or software licenses must be factored in. Additionally, consider the associated costs of training your staff on any new changes before deciding which upgrade is right for your business. Cost is always a factor when IT investments are being made, but ensuring that you’re factoring in all potential costs associated with an upgrade will ensure that you avoid surprises down the line. A thorough analysis of server hardware, software licensing, operating systems, and training costs can help keep the cost under control and ensure the investment you make is more profitable.

Costs to consider

Installation Costs

The installation cost is the first cost that needs to be considered when upgrading data center hardware. This includes the cost of labor to physically install the new equipment as well as any associated software licenses that may be required. In some cases, installation costs can be mitigated using existing staff who are already familiar with the data center environment. However, in other cases, hiring outside contractors with specific expertise in data center installations may be necessary.

Support Costs

Another cost that must be considered when upgrading data center hardware is the support cost. This includes the cost of providing technical support to users during and after the upgrade process. Support costs can be high in many cases, especially if problems with the new hardware or software need to be addressed. Support costs can also increase if users require training to use the new system.

Maintenance Costs

Once data center hardware has been upgraded, there will also be ongoing maintenance costs that need to be considered. This includes the cost of replacing parts that fail and the cost of regularly scheduled maintenance tasks such as firmware updates and system backups. These costs can be mitigated by using automation tools that help to reduce the amount of manual labor required for maintenance tasks. However, in other cases, hiring additional staff for data center maintenance tasks may be necessary.

A better solution

As the IT landscape continues to evolve, increasingly, businesses are turning to alternative solutions, such as pre-owned IT hardware and third-party maintenance, to reduce the cost of IT hardware upgrades. Pre rack IT services provide an excellent solution for those wishing to upgrade their technology and keep costs low. Pre Rack IT can help businesses save up to 80% on upfront costs compared to buying new equipment. It offers financing options that can lower regular payments and provide the latest comprehensive maintenance and support services. Pre-owned IT hardware is excellent for companies that want top-of-the-line equipment but want to avoid paying the total price. Businesses can purchase reliable technology without breaking the budget with a wide range of refurbished systems from major manufacturers.