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Corporate information technology (IT) managers can now determine just how much their computers are worth thanks to a new configurator from PlanITROI. Found at the company’s Web site, www.planitroi.com, an IT manager simply enters the type and quantities of desktop computers, laptops, monitors and other information to estimate the value of IT assets in his or her company. “If this IT asset value is high, the manager can receive a check through PlanITROI’s guaranteed buyout plan,” says Paul Baum, CEO of PlanITROI, Inc. “For quantities in the thousands, customer checks have ranged from $100,000 to $2 million,” said Baum. “If the value is low, the amount may cover end-of-life service costs for imaging, erasing data from the hard drive, removal and proper environmental disposal with documentation to meet all federal and state environmental laws,” he added. Named the Valuator, this password-protected, Web-based tool, also helps an IT or chief financial officer start thinking about selecting an ideal date for retiring computers and associated hardware. Traditionally, the rule of thumb was replace a computer in three years to avoid the costs of help desk calls, repairs and downtime. Such costs depend somewhat on how much an employee has used his or her computer, how much travel they do and other factors. PlanITROI’s Valuator gives more information to help managers accurately evaluate their assets. Gartner Inc. notes that “a comprehensive PC life cycle procurement program should include plans for disposal.”* When an IT manager gets the most from obsolete assets, he or she can use the value to offset the cost of new hardware and software. To help their clients gain the highest value from their computers, PlanITROI suggests replacing hardware just before the steep decline in market value begins. The company can also assist clients maximize value through its list of customers who pay well for graded and warranted used computers. While using the Valuator at www.planitroi.com, site visitors can see the many options and services available to make disposal of obsolete assets easy, quick and potentially profitable. “In today’s fiercely competitive business environment, asset management fits well with corporate management styles that call for thrifty use of every piece of equipment,” noted Baum. PlanITROI began helping customers with their computer asset management in 1991. Many companies in a broad range of industries have benefited from thorough IT asset management.