COMPUTING & IT RESOURCES What school IT managers really need
from tech suppliers PETE MILLER, Sales Manager at ETB Technologies, shares his insights with Education Today.
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n today’s digital-first world, reliable, high-performing IT is no longer a luxury - it’s essential. With data volumes increasing exponentially - particularly in educational settings - storage capacity is now as high up the agenda as server power.
This shift places new pressure on IT managers to find systems that are not just powerful, but also flexible, scalable and sustainable. Supporting access for hundreds, or even thousands, of students and staff daily means speed and reliability are non- negotiable. Yet finding the right equipment to meet this demand fast and affordably, is more difficult than it should be. Procurement barriers are holding schools back
Finding high-performance IT that can scale to educational needs isn’t the only challenge: the procurement process can create an even bigger hurdle. Lengthy buying frameworks, restrictive “new only” policies and outdated systems often prevent IT managers from acquiring the equipment they urgently need. It’s a bit like running on a treadmill – there’s constant effort, but little progress forward.
While clear processes can help ensure consistency across organisations, an approach that’s too rigid may overlook the most cost-effective options and create missed opportunities. Rethinking IT strategies to embrace refurbished technology could be a step in the right direction, especially if education decision-makers want to keep pace with evolving IT demands. Refurbished technology is a reliable, sustainable and scalable choice The preference for brand new equipment usually stems from habit or lack of awareness about other options available. According to YouGov, 50% of people globally prioritise brand, features and model over sustainability when it comes to buying electronic goods. But having the latest model or a
Buying refurbished is an effective way to reduce these costs, priced up to 70% less than retail value. Schools can buy higher-spec hardware without any additional spend, matching their exact requirements to futureproof their systems down the line. In addition, it provides the flexibility to increase capacity without having to expand budgets.
Whether they need a brand-new install or are replacing older equipment that’s no longer fit for purpose, “good as new” can often deliver better value for money than brand new.
Next steps to help schools gain advantage of refurbished equipment The benefits of refurbished are clear: lower costs, high performance and improved sustainability. But restrictive procurement policies and public sector frameworks can still limit these options, leaving IT manager stuck in long queues for overpriced equipment that only does half the job they need it to. Meeting the demands of digital learning requires an urgent mindset shift. Decision-makers in education must embrace the value of refurbished tech across the sector and start using it as a strategic asset. Giving schools, colleges and universities a smoother, faster and more affordable path to get the technology they really need – when they need it – is the next step required to support high quality learning for all.
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www.education-today.co.uk July/August 2025
shiny new product isn’t always the best option – especially when it comes to managing high-capacity workloads.
When sourced from a trusted supplier, refurbished IT can deliver equal, or even better, performance at a fraction of the cost. Every refurbished product is rigorously tested to ensure it performs as new. In addition, each component is individually assessed to ensure the system meets, or exceeds, original performance expectations.
Just like buying a new product, refurbished equipment comes with strong warranties. At ETB, for example, we offer a three-year warranty on configured units such as switches and servers. In many cases, we also provide free advance replacement on faulty equipment. This level of support gives educational facilities peace of mind, and the ability to resolve technical issues quickly without risking any disruptions to their operations. Higher performance on a tight budget
Educational institutions are under pressure to stretch limited budgets while still delivering high quality learning experiences. However, buying IT equipment at scale can be a significant investment – especially when it needs to support demanding networks and interactive learning tools.
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