Get Rid Of Old Desktops And Do Some Good

If you've wanted to donate outdated end-user devices but were thwarted by security, software licensing, or other concerns, the new Serious Good program by IT asset recovery company Redemtech might be for you. The program's ambitious: Provide a refurbished computer for every Habitat for Humanity partner family in the U.S. who wants one, a target that will require about 80,000 donated computers. But since U.S. businesses replace about 40 million PCs per year, 75% of them four years old or less, it's an achievable goal.Under the Serious Good program, Redemtech performs complete data wiping, intensive testing, and reconditioning. It installs Windows XP Pro and Microsoft Office on every donated PC (Microsoft charges only a nominal fee) and bundles new peripherals. The company says most donations can be cost neutral to corporations, though to maximize the value of their gifts, some donors do underwrite software, packaging, delivery, and post-donation support. All donations include free take-back at the hardware's end-of-life, so you're not just postponing a trip to a landfill.

If you're interested, contact Redemtech for a statement of work, which can include logistics to the nearest Redemtech refurbishing facility, full data removal, and asset management reporting. Donations may be directed to the national Serious Good partners -- Habitat for Humanity, TechSoup Global, or Per Scholas -- or to a charity of your choice. Redemtech will refurbish the PC and deliver it in the donor's name to the selected beneficiary, then furnish the donor with reporting verifying the delivery of the gift and its value for tax purposes.

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