Whether it’s a migration to the cloud, a new data centre or simply the end of their service life: sooner or later, servers are taken out of service. It involves more than just pulling the plug. Servers contain business-critical data, configurations and backups, often spread across multiple drives in a RAID configuration. With this checklist, you can decommission servers safely and without any surprises.
1. Make a list of what’s there
Make a list of all servers, storage systems, switches, UPS units and racks that need to be disposed of. For each piece of equipment, note down the make, model, serial number and the number of data storage devices. Don’t forget any loose hard drives, backup tapes and spare parts in the cabinet.
2. Check that all data has been migrated
Check that all data, applications and configurations are on the new platform and are working correctly. Do not decommission the old system until this has been confirmed. Where necessary, retain a final backup in accordance with your retention policy.
3. Decouple licences, accounts and monitoring
Cancel or transfer software licences and support contracts. Remove the server from the domain, from monitoring and from backup schedules, and revoke certificates and access rights.
4. Determine the method for each data carrier
Functioning drives can be professionally erased so that the server or its components can be reused. Faulty drives or those containing highly sensitive data are physically destroyed. Please note: even after formatting, data on RAID drives can often still be recovered. Read more about destroy hard drives.
5. Arrange safe transport
The data is at its most vulnerable between the server room and the data processor. Choose a provider that uses its own staff and secure vehicles and records every unit. If the data is not required to leave the premises, the discs can be destroyed on-site first.
6. Plan the dismantling
Setting up a fully equipped server room involves a lot of work: racks, cabling, UPS units, switches and patch panels. Agree on who will dismantle what and when, so that the room is handed over empty and tidy in one go.
7. Ensure you have the necessary certificates and reports
Request a certificate for each data storage device or server unit, stating the serial number and date. This will enable you to demonstrate during an audit that the data has been destroyed in accordance with the GDPR. You should also keep a record of what was collected and what was done with it.
8. Calculate the residual value
Decommissioned servers often still have value, either as complete servers or as individual components. Sell them on rather than disposing of them as waste. The proceeds can be offset against the costs of data destruction and transport.
This is how Reuzado goes about it
Reuzado takes care of the entire process for you. You send us an overview of the servers and configurations, even in raw form. You will receive a no-obligation estimate of the residual value. Our certified staff will collect the servers, including racks, cabling and peripherals, and dismantle them on site if required. Storage media are individually wiped using Blancco or physically destroyed. Anything still in working order is prepared for reuse; the rest is recycled in accordance with WEEELABEX guidelines. You will receive a report detailing the serial numbers, the processing method and the proceeds.
Find out more about buying up servers or request a valuation straight away. You can also contact us for other equipment at hardware buyout.
Would you like to know what happens to your servers once they’ve been collected? Read more Disposing of old servers: what happens once they’re switched off?
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to dismantle the servers myself before they are collected?
No. If required, we can dismantle servers and peripheral equipment on site, for example in server rooms or data cabinets.
What happens to RAID drives?
Each drive in a RAID array is erased individually using Blancco or physically destroyed. You will receive a certificate for each drive or server unit.
Can I also have a few individual servers collected?
Yes. You can also turn to Reuzado for a limited number of servers or individual components.