Our client, a managed service provider (MSP) in Poland, delivers IT infrastructure and cybersecurity services to small and medium-sized businesses across Europe. Their end-users depend on them for stability, security, and speed, yet their own systems were becoming a liability.
They were stuck in a costly cycle of ageing hardware, rising security risks, and strict sustainability targets. A full OEM refresh would have exhausted their entire IT budget. It would leave nothing for other critical projects. Standing still wasn’t an option. Yet, neither was overspending.
Circular IT group offered a practical solution. By moving to refurbished networking equipment, the MSP achieved over 60% cost savings. They saw immediate performance improvements, with measurable sustainability gains. All while staying safe, compliant, and secure. Removing any past liabilities.
Their experience answers the question many IT leaders ask themselves:
“Can refurbished IT really be as good as new?”
The answer, as this case proves, is a resounding yes.
Table of contents:
What challenges were they facing?
You need to understand the challenges they faced before partnering with Circular IT group to appreciate the results. Their IT Infrastructure & Cybersecurity Manager explained:
“Our IT hardware refresh was overdue, leading to ageing servers and end-of-life equipment that posed significant security risks and performance bottlenecks. At the same time, we were under immense pressure to meet ambitious corporate sustainability targets and reduce e-waste. The primary constraint, as always, was a very strict budget.”
Declining productivity as applications slowed and key processes lagged.
Budget strain. Replacing everything with new OEM equipment would eat their entire IT budget, halting other important projects.
Sustainability pressure, with ESG goals requiring measurable reductions in e-waste.
They felt stuck at a crossroads: continue with vulnerable legacy infrastructure or overspend on new equipment at the expense of other critical initiatives.
Neither option was sustainable for the business nor acceptable to stakeholders.
Instead of forcing a choice between two unsatisfactory paths, we introduced a third option. A choice that balanced cost efficiency, performance, and sustainability.
The solution Circular IT group offered
We worked closely with the MSP to design a solution that met both their operational and strategic needs. The team pitched refurbished Cisco Nexus switches, Juniper QFX series equipment, and a range of SFPs and breakout cables.
They also participated in our buyback scheme, recovering value from old equipment. This approach, previously unconsidered, directly supported their ESG goals.
What made them hesitate about refurbished IT?
Like many companies, they weren’t sure refurbished was the right path.
“Honestly, we were cautiously optimistic but had concerns. We expected cost-saving, but were initially wary about the reliability, performance, and warranty support of refurbished enterprise equipment. We needed a partner, not just a supplier, one that could provide certified hardware, robust guarantees, and transparent documentation to satisfy our security and compliance teams.”
Their concerns were common:
Would refurbished switches and servers keep pace with modern demands?
Would warranties be strong enough?
Could a refurbished solution satisfy internal compliance checks?
From misconceptions to measurable trust
Even with prior misconceptions about refurbished products, the potential could not be denied. The quality of the products, the expertise of the service, and the robust guarantees not only matched but often exceeded their experience with new IT procurement.
“The quality of products, as well as having knowledgeable sales guys, made the difference. I’d also known about Circular IT group from a previous role, so there was already a sense of trust.”
The combined enterprise-grade refurbished equipment with certification, warranties, and transparent compliance documentation gave the MSP all the reassurance they needed.
Backed by ISO 27001 testing and industry standards, the security parity of these refurbished products was validated by third-party evaluations, quelling any lingering doubts about their safety and reliability.
Refurbished wasn’t a compromise; it was the smartest way forward.
What results did refurbished IT deliver?
The End-User Impact
The true success is shown in their end-users’ experience, faster, more reliable, and optimised services that elevated their day-to-day experience.
Massive Cost Savings
“We achieved over 60% in cost savings compared to a new OEM quote, allowing us to reallocate funds to other critical security projects.”
Sustainability Wins
“It advanced our sustainability targets by embracing a circular economy model.”
Security and Performance Gains
“Most importantly, it enabled our growth and security posture by providing a modern, reliable, and secure infrastructure foundation without compromise.”
Building successful partnerships
This MSP needed Circular IT group to be more than just another supplier.
The company reduced e-waste and made real progress toward internal sustainability goals.
The option to use a buyback scheme provided added ROI by giving value back for old equipment.
Certified documentation and warranties resolved compliance concerns.
“Circular IT group allowed us to break the traditional refresh cycle without breaking the bank or our principles. They provided enterprise-grade, secure hardware that delivered immediate performance gains, and their partnership was instrumental in helping us meet our stringent budget and ambitious sustainability goals simultaneously. They are a truly strategic vendor.”
What can businesses learn from this?
Utilising ITAD and sustainable practices is key to tackling pitfalls to meet financial and operational goals. With the right partner, refurbished solutions can be the most fruitful.
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