Quick Decision Guide for IT Directors
Need to choose between Iron Mountain and OEM Source for your data center decommissioning project? This comparison breaks down the key differences to help you make the right choice.
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Factor | Iron Mountain | OEM Source |
|---|---|---|
| Market Position | Industry giant, premium pricing | Specialized provider, competitive rates |
| Geographic Coverage | Global presence | US-focused with deep expertise |
| Certifications | R2v3, NAID AAA, ISO standards | R2v3, NAID AAA, ISO 9001/14001/45001 |
| Pricing | Premium (20-30% higher) | Competitive market rates |
| Project Size | Large enterprise focus | Flexible – small to enterprise |
| Customer Service | Account manager model | Direct access to experts |
Why Companies Choose OEM Source Over Iron Mountain
Cost Savings
- 20-30% lower pricing on average compared to Iron Mountain
- No hidden fees – transparent pricing structure
- Asset recovery value often exceeds disposal costs
- Flexible payment terms for budget-conscious projects
Personalized Service
- Direct access to technical experts and decision-makers
- Faster response times – no corporate bureaucracy
- Customized solutions tailored to your specific needs
- Single point of contact throughout the entire project
Specialized Expertise
- 20+ years focused exclusively on IT asset disposition
- Deep technical knowledge of data center equipment
- Industry-specific experience across healthcare, finance, and government
- Proven track record with Fortune 500 companies
When to Choose Iron Mountain
Best Fit Scenarios:
- Multi-national projects requiring global coordination
- Extremely large scale (50,000+ sq ft facilities)
- Corporate mandate to use only Fortune 100 vendors
- Existing relationship with Iron Mountain for other services
When to Choose OEM Source
Best Fit Scenarios:
- Cost optimization is a primary concern
- Personalized service and direct communication are preferred
- Faster project timelines are needed
- Asset recovery value is important to your ROI
- Specialized compliance requirements (HIPAA, SOX, etc.)
Service Comparison Breakdown
Data Destruction
Iron Mountain:
- NAID AAA certified
- On-site and off-site options
- Certificate of destruction provided
- Standard reporting
OEM Source:
- NAID AAA certified
- On-site destruction preferred
- Detailed chain of custody documentation
- Real-time project tracking and reporting
Asset Recovery
Iron Mountain:
- Basic remarketing services
- Limited asset recovery focus
- Standard market rates
OEM Source:
- Specialized asset recovery program
- Higher recovery values due to focused expertise
- Detailed valuation reports
- Revenue sharing options
Environmental Compliance
Iron Mountain:
- R2v3 certified
- Standard environmental reporting
- Global recycling network
OEM Source:
- R2v3 certified with ISO 14001
- Zero landfill commitment
- Detailed environmental impact reporting
- Local recycling partnerships
Customer Experience Differences
Iron Mountain Experience:
- Account manager handles communication
- Standardized processes with limited customization
- Corporate structure can slow decision-making
- Comprehensive reporting through online portal
OEM Source Experience:
- Direct expert access for technical questions
- Flexible processes adapted to your needs
- Quick decision-making from an empowered team
- Personalized reporting based on your requirements
Pricing Structure Comparison
Iron Mountain Pricing:
- Premium rates reflecting brand positioning
- Complex fee structure with potential add-ons
- Volume discounts for very large projects
- Standard payment terms
OEM Source Pricing:
- Competitive market rates with a transparent structure
- All-inclusive pricing with no hidden fees
- Asset recovery credits can offset costs
- Flexible payment options, including net terms
Making Your Decision
Choose Iron Mountain If:
- Budget is not a primary concern
- You need global project coordination
- Corporate policy requires Fortune 100 vendors
- You prefer standardized, process-driven approaches
Choose OEM Source If:
- Cost optimization is important
- You value personalized service and direct communication
- Faster project completion is needed
- Asset recovery value matters to your ROI
- You want specialized expertise without corporate overhead
Next Steps
Ready to Compare Quotes?
- Get detailed pricing from both providers
- Request references from similar projects
- Compare certifications and compliance capabilities
- Evaluate the timeline and project management approach
Questions to Ask Both Providers:
- What is your all-in cost, including transportation and disposal?
- How do you handle asset recovery and revenue sharing?
- What certifications do you maintain for our industry?
- Can you provide references from similar data center decommissioning projects?
- What is your typical project timeline from start to finish?
Why This Comparison Matters
The right choice depends on your priorities. Iron Mountain offers the security of a global brand with standardized processes. OEM Source provides specialized expertise with personalized service at competitive rates.
Most companies find OEM Source delivers better value through lower costs, higher asset recovery, and more responsive service – especially for projects where budget optimization and timeline flexibility matter.
Ready to see the difference? Contact OEM Source for a detailed quote and discover why companies are choosing specialized expertise over corporate overhead for their critical data center decommissioning projects.
