As consumers and companies of all sizes buy new computers, they are facing a growing and sometimes perplexing problem: what to do with their old machines.

In response to concerns about the safety of intellectual property and potential harm to the environment, many enterprises and consumers outsource management of their old PCs to companies which wipe away the data and applications, refurbish and re-sell the computers to new customers.

The Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher (MAR) program will help simplify volume licensing of refurbished computers and provide refurbishers with the tools they need to grow their business. The program, which was announced today, builds on the success of a similar currently available Microsoft program called Community MAR, which is designed for charities, educational institutions and nonprofits. This new program broadens Microsoft�s offerings to include commercial enterprises.

PressPass spoke with Hani Shakeel, senior product manager of the Genuine Windows Product Marketing team, to get more details about the program and how customers and refurbishers will benefit.