Comstor throws weight behind Cisco reused space
Distributor unveils business development scheme to help VARs push refurbished kit
Distributor Comstor is launching a support programme to help Cisco partners safely cash in on the lucrative market for refurbished kit.
The firm has unveiled their RF initiative, a business development scheme that aims to help resellers pick out sales opportunities for reused kit. Comstor will be providing Cisco Certified Remanufactured Equipment, and the initiative will be run by the distributor's business development manager, Dan Reglar.
Comstor UK general manager Tony Nevill (pictured) estimated the global second-user market could be worth up to $3bn (£1.9bn).
"Customer acceptance, growing inventories, and the longevity of Cisco equipment have resulted in a growing market for used Cisco products," he added. "In this challenging economic environment, even new products in unopened boxes are being resold as customers look to free up capital."
Comstor picked out five key benefits to resellers of the RF programme, the first being the comparatively low cost and high margin of the product. These benefits could result in end-user IT staff being able to expedite the procurement process.
Old product models may be required by end users to facilitate migration or run legacy applications, said the distributor, and reusing kit is also seen as a green option. Comstor also claimed that buying official Cisco refurbished kit through certified channels would offer partners peace of mind. Unauthorised routes to market may supply untested products without full warranties or support licences, according to the distributor.
Reglar said: "There are only two differences between a new Cisco unit and its remanufactured equivalent. In all other practical respects, the two are identical.
"The small difference is the '- RF' on the end of the part code. The big one is the price. We believe our new programme is a welcome development in the responsible and targeted use of the secondary market by Cisco's partners."