NEW YORK, Nov. 12, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to meet market demand for a growing, often-overlooked issue, Dimension Data, the global ICT services and solutions provider, today announced the availability of an electronic waste (e-waste) removal service as part of its newly expanded Technology Lifecycle Management (TLM) Assessment that helps organizations better manage IT inventory. The TLM Assessment catalogues and analyzes assets on the network, and identifies end-of-life and security issues so that they can be proactively addressed.

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Research indicates that the number of electronic devices at end-of-life will double from 2010 to 2025, and it's estimated that more than 60 million tons of e-waste will be at the decision point for reuse, recycle or landfill in 2013¹. While the replacement and upgrade cycle of devices is inevitable, the dilemma most organizations face is finding an environmentally friendly e-waste removal service that is available on a global scale.

"According to aggregate data compiled by Dimension Data from 294 TLM Assessments conducted at organizations of all sizes and in all industry sectors in 2011, 45 percent of the network estates assessed will be totally obsolete within five years," said Colin Curtis, Dimension Data's director of sustainability.  

"Expanding our TLM Assessment to include an e-waste solution means our expert advice doesn't start at the point of disposal. We can now assess the strength of each item in a technology base, determine its point in the lifecycle, and then use best practices to dispose of elapsed devices and equipment in an ecological and regulatory-compliant manner. In addition, the organization's security and brand are not negatively impacted."

Other benefits of Dimension Data's expanded TLM assessment and e-waste solution include:

• Thorough assessment of an organization's installed base: Cataloguing the installed base and knowing what can be replaced and when, as well as adopting a standard approach to the removal of redundant equipment, can help ease the burden.
• Single plan for removing e-waste globally: Prevents the hassle of having to outsource and review e-waste removal services and government regulations in each location.
• Experienced service provider: E-waste can potentially put a company's reputation and security at risk. Dimension Data partners with approved, global e-waste providers who pledge their commitment to ethical e-waste handling.
• Simple costing: Dimension Data believes that cost is an inhibitor to good stewardship, so there is little to zero cost for take-back in most cases.
• Security: Disposing of redundant equipment carries the threat of sensitive data being accessed by external parties. Dimension Data understands that this is a major concern for companies looking for an e-waste solution, and offers considerable security expertise to manage this risk.

About Dimension Data
Founded in 1983, Dimension Data plc is an ICT services and solutions provider that uses its technology expertise, global service delivery capability, and entrepreneurial spirit to accelerate the business ambitions of its clients. Dimension Data is a member of the NTT Group. www.dimensiondata.com

¹ Pike Research, 2Q 2009 (http://www.pikeresearch.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/02/EWASTE-09-Executive-Summary.pdf)

SOURCE Dimension Data