Digital Information Security

IDC Recongizes Five IT Disposal Firms with G.R.A.D.E Certification

IDC, Framingham, Mass., has recognized Dell, Round Rock, Texas; Hewlett-Packard, Palo Alto, Calif.; IBM, Armonk, N.Y.; Intechra, Jacksonville, Miss.; and Redemtech, Columbus, Ohio, as the first recipients of its Green Recycling and Asset Disposal for the Enterprise (G.R.A.D.E.) certification.

According to a press release issued by IDC, each of these vendors exceeded the minimum criteria required for G.R.A.D.E. certification.

The certification process is based on 34 IT asset disposal-related functions and tasks and uses a multi-dimensional weighting system that incorporates the broad offerings of remote applications, on-site services, logistics, in-plant processing and post treatment. The five companies being recognized with the certification have met IDC’s G.R.A.D.E. requirements by exceeding the minimum passing grade of 75 percent.

IDC G.R.A.D.E. certification is currently focused on the market within the United States.

"Although there is still a lot to be achieved, these organizations have made significant investments in establishing sound IT asset recovery/disposal processes," says David Daoud, research manager, personal systems, at IDC. "Their logistics, facilities and remarketing operations utilize today’s best standards, which are still evolving and likely to continue to improve as customer requirements expand and innovation and new techniques are established," he adds.

While working to adopt best practices, these vendors recognize the need for greater accountability, according to IDC. "Driven by growing pressure from their customers, these companies are looking for ways to improve end-of-life operations that guarantee environmental and business sustainability for their customers," the press release from the IDC states.

Among the most scrutinized areas in recycling and asset disposal in need of improvement today are guaranteeing zero landfill policy and full recyclability of retired materials, according to the IDC. Additionally, providing a thorough accounting of IT asset disposition outcomes, in terms of cost, carbon emission control, toxic waste elimination and visibility on export destinations, are critical, the IDC says.