In the fast-moving business communications sector, hardware becomes obsolete fast. For Avaya, that meant over 200 server racks taking up space and consuming energy in a now-overbuilt data center. They needed a partner who could not only remove and recycle the equipment but also guarantee secure data destruction and improve sustainability metrics. That’s where AIT came in.
Data Center Decommissioning & Hardware Removal
AIT managed the full-scale deinstallation and removal of over 200 server racks from Avaya’s data center. Our experienced field teams executed the project with minimal disruption to operations, following strict protocols for asset handling, documentation, and site restoration.
Secure & Compliant Data Destruction
All data-bearing devices were wiped or destroyed in accordance with industry-leading standards, including NIST 800-88 and GDPR. AIT ensured zero data exposure by delivering serialized Certificates of Data Destruction and maintaining a secure chain of custody throughout.
Sustainable E-Waste Recycling & Energy Optimization
AIT recycled all decommissioned equipment using certified eco-friendly processes. By removing outdated, power-intensive hardware, Avaya significantly reduced energy consumption and reclaimed valuable data center space—advancing both sustainability and operational efficiency goals.
Overview
As a global leader in business communications and collaboration software, Avaya manages vast amounts of infrastructure across its data centers. When it came time to decommission over 200 aging server racks, the company faced a multi-layered challenge: securely destroying all stored data, recycling hardware in an environmentally responsible way, and reducing the energy burden of outdated equipment. To meet these goals, Avaya partnered with AIT to execute a secure, sustainable, and efficient IT asset disposition plan.
Client: Avaya
Location: Multi-site
Services: IT Asset Disposition (ITAD), Certified Data Destruction, E-Waste Recycling, Energy Efficiency Optimization, Hardware Deinstallation & Logistics
Challenge
Avaya faced a complex decommissioning project that required balancing sustainability, data security, and operational efficiency. With over 200 server racks slated for removal, the company needed to ensure that all hardware was handled responsibly—from secure data destruction to environmentally compliant recycling—while minimizing disruption to ongoing operations.
Mass Decommissioning: Efficiently removing and recycling 200+ server racks while minimizing downtime.
Strict Data Security Requirements: Ensuring zero data leakage through certified destruction of all storage devices.
Sustainable E-Waste Management: Meeting environmental regulations and internal ESG goals with green recycling practices.
Energy & Space Optimization: Reducing power usage and reclaiming valuable operational space within the facility.
Solution
AIT developed and executed a tailored, full-scope IT asset disposition (ITAD) strategy for Avaya, balancing sustainability, security, and operational continuity.
Comprehensive Hardware Removal: Over 200 server racks were professionally de-installed and removed.
Sustainable Recycling Practices: All materials were recycled using certified, environmentally responsible processes.
Secure Data Destruction: Every data storage device was wiped and destroyed to exceed compliance standards.
Energy Reduction & Space Reclamation: Eliminating legacy hardware led to measurable power savings and freed up critical data center space.
Results
Avaya partnered with AIT to downsize their data center while reducing their carbon footprint. Through this initiative, over 200 server racks were responsibly recycled, resulting in a reduction in their carbon footprint and lower energy consumption overall.
Sustainability: Over 200 server racks were recycled using certified environmentally responsible methods, significantly reducing landfill waste.
Security: Complete and verifiable destruction of all data-bearing devices ensured 100% compliance with data protection regulations.
Efficiency: Older, energy-hungry hardware was removed, lowering overall power consumption and improving data center performance.
Compliance: All recycling and data destruction activities were performed in accordance with industry and environmental standards, supporting internal ESG goals.
Client testimonial
“AIT made what seemed like a massive undertaking feel seamless. Their team handled every detail—from secure data destruction to the eco-friendly recycling of over 200 server racks—with professionalism and precision. Thanks to their work, we improved our sustainability metrics and reclaimed valuable space in our data center.”
Senior IT Infrastructure Manager, Avaya