e-Cycle provides businesses and organizations the most rigorous, industry leading data protection and mobile security for smartphones and tablets. In celebration of Data Privacy Day, any organization that sells and/or recycles their mobile devices with e-Cycle between now and February 28, 2013, will be entered into a random drawing to win one $500 Best Buy gift card or an e-Cycle BUILT laptop messenger bag.

Entering the giveaway is easy:

• Request a Wireless Buyback Estimate to receive a no-obligation buyback quote for your mobile devices.
• Fill out the official entry form and include it with the package of mobile devices to be recycled.
• e-Cycle will email you a pre-paid shipping label* to send in your devices.
• As always, mobile phone recycling and data deletion are free.

Contact your e-Cycle account manager or visit our Current Promotions page to find out more and request a buyback estimate for your mobile devices.

e-Cycle encourages businesses to take a more responsible, secure and profitable approach to wireless mobile phone recycling by collecting used mobile devices from organizations, reimbursing them for devices that retain value and recycling all others at no charge. The information on every phone is either deleted or destroyed using the industry’s most rigorous data security measures. In January 2012, e-Cycle became the only mobile buyback and recycling company in the world to become e-Stewards certified. e-Cycle is ranked the #68 Most Promising Company in America by Forbes and the #4 fastest growing environmental services company in the U.S. by Inc. Magazine.

To learn more about e-Cycle, visit www.e-Cycle.com.

*Some restrictions apply. Contact e-Cycle to learn more. No recycling or purchase is necessary. View the official rules.

Mobile communication is exploding and by the end of the decade over 30 billion devices will be permanently connected and another 150 billion will be intermittently connected. Earlier this year, Gartner held an IT Expo and Symposium focusing on IT security challenges, mobile computing, big data, the cloud and how these factors will affect the future of IT.

According to the research company, more than 1.6 billion smartphones will be purchased worldwide by 2016. An estimated two thirds of mobile workers will own a smartphone and 40 percent of employees will be wireless. Research also estimates that in less than two years, iPads will outnumber the amount of BlackBerrys used in business. Within two years, 20 percent of sales forces will be utilizing tablets as the primary mobile platform. In addition, by 2018, 70 percent of the mobile work force will be using a hybrid mobile device with tablet-like characteristics.

Cloud computing, big data and social media are also major influencers shaping the future of enterprise computing. Big data spending is expected to drive 3.8 percent of IT spending and surpass $3.7 trillion worldwide next year. By 2015, approximately 4.4 million IT jobs will support big data (1.9 million in the U.S.). Gartner estimates that in three years the largest corporations in the world will each be spending over a billion dollars on social media.

Businesses need to focus on the future of enterprise IT as well as mobile data security. Over the next five years, anticipated government regulatory compliance is expected to cause significant increases to security investments. Additionally, an urgent need exists for businesses to implement a mobile security strategy that separates personal and business operations on consumer-owned smartphones and tablets. BYOD or ‘bring your own device’ is quickly becoming the mobile standard in most organizations and businesses need to implement a mobile security solution that is inexpensive, easy to use and provides appropriate safeguards for confidential company data.

When recycling used electronics and mobile devices, it is essential that businesses protect their corporate brand and reputation by ensuring their sensitive business data remains secure. Partnering with e-Stewards® and R2 certified mobile buyback and recycling companies will guarantee your recycling partner adheres to the highest data deletion procedures. e-Stewards, the world’s most rigorous standard for electronics recycling, ensures certified recyclers consistently conform to the highest standards for responsible recycling of electronic equipment, worker safety and data security. Businesses should insist that their recycling partners utilize third-party forensic auditors to validate data deletion processes and do not outsource their data deletion services to non-certified partners.

Mobile technology is rapidly changing and businesses need to adapt their IT strategy before their current IT infrastructure becomes obsolete. Over the next few years, IT departments need to stay ahead of the curve in regards to mobility as well as IT cost structure.

Based on the article iPads will be more common in the enterprise than BlackBerrys in two years, predicts Gartner by Fred Donovan.

e-Cycle Provides Secure Mobile Device Asset Recovery and Recycling for Enterprise
As businesses and organizations begin transitioning to tablets and upgrade to the newest mobile technologies, e-Cycle provides secure, profitable and responsible solutions for reusing and recycling used mobile phones and devices. e-Cycle collects used mobile devices from businesses and organizations, reimbursing them for mobile devices that retain value and recycling all other wireless devices at no charge. The information on every phone is either deleted or destroyed using the industry’s most rigorous data security measures. In January 2012, e-Cycle became the only mobile buyback and recycling company in the world to become e-Stewards certified. For more information, visit www.e-cycle.com.

When it comes to technology, consumers are always looking to get their hands on the latest devices available. This is especially true during the holiday gifting season. According to a recent study by the Consumer Electronics Association, mobile connected devices are the most sought after gifts this holiday season.

Along with the joy that comes from unwrapping those shiny new smartphones and tablets, employees in a BYOD program also have the responsibility of wiping corporate data from their old devices. It’s critical that BYOD businesses and organizations provide their employees a way to securely wipe sensitive data and safely dispose of their used devices. Employees with smartphones and tablets used in BYOD work environments have a high risk of leaving confidential data on their used devices as they upgrade to newer technology.

In a recent study 2,243 BYOD employees were interviewed to find out what they did with their used mobile device after they upgraded to a new device. The study found that the majority of BYOD employees are not properly disposing of mobile devices or wiping corporate information when upgrading to the latest tablets and smartphones. Overall, 68 percent of employees said they did not have their devices professionally wiped or securely destroyed when replacing their mobile devices for newer technology. Fifty eight percent of respondents said they kept the device, although inactive; 13 percent turned their device over to their service provider; 11 percent donated their device, gave it away, or worse, threw it in the trash.

Businesses and organizations that have a BYOD program in place need to have a policy that considers the company’s confidential data when their employees’ mobile devices are replaced. They need to make certain their employees use a responsible and approved mobile buyback and recycling company when it is time to retire used devices and ensure sensitive data is completely erased.

Partnering with a mobile buyback and recycling company that guarantees mobile data deletion is the only way to ensure confidential company data remains secure. e-Cycle helps organizations take a more responsible, secure and profitable approach to wireless mobile phone recycling. e-Cycle collects used mobile devices from businesses and organizations, reimbursing them for devices that retain value and recycling all others at no charge. The information on every phone is either deleted or destroyed using the industry’s most rigorous data security measures. In January 2012, e-Cycle became the only mobile buyback and recycling company in the world to become e-Stewards certified. To find out more on e-Cycle’s cell phone buyback, recycling and data deletion services, visit www.e-Cycle.com.

Thank you for partnering with e-Cycle for responsible cell phone recycling, mobile buyback, data protection and BYOD solutions. We wish you a safe and happy holiday season!

Happy Holidays from e-Cycle Mobile Recycling from e-Cycle LLC. on Vimeo.

The leading mobile buyback and recycling company was ranked #6 among the top 10 environmental services companies that are at the forefront of job creation. 

e-Cycle LLC has been recognized with a Hire Power Award from Inc. magazine for its contributions to job growth over the past three years.

Inc.’s first-ever Hire Power Awards celebrate private companies on the forefront of American job creation, giving these businesses recognition for putting people to work. The Hire Power Award winners were honored at a reception December 6 at the Mead Center in Washington, D.C.

The Inc. Hire Power Awards, sponsored by Bank of America Merrill Lynch, rank for-profit and nonprofit companies by how many new jobs they added between 2008 and 2011. Providing wireless buyback, recycling and data deletion services for businesses and organizations, e-Cycle was ranked #6 among the top 10 job-creating environmental services companies. e-Cycle also was ranked #32 nationwide for the highest percentage of job growth in that same period. e-Cycle achieved job growth of 756 percent, or 68 new jobs. e-Cycle has continued its growth initiatives in 2012, recently expanding to more than 100 total employees, opening a new headquarters in New Albany, Ohio, and unveiling plans to bolster its operations center in Hilliard, Ohio.

“We are honored to be recognized by Inc. and appreciate the opportunity to share the stage with innovators who have helped to put people to work during a challenging economy,” said e-Cycle CEO Christopher Irion. “At e-Cycle, we aspire to create a culture in which our employees can thrive and nurture their talents in a way that delivers meaningful results to our clients. Our growth is attributable to our people and their hard work and ingenuity.”

The combined value of the Hire Power job creators is significant. According to Inc., the top 100 Hire Power companies created more than 73,000 jobs. Companies with less than $50 million in annual revenue make up nearly one-third of the Hire Power list.

About Inc.
Founded in 1979 and acquired in 2005 by Mansueto Ventures, Inc.is the only major brand dedicated exclusively to owners and managers of growing private companies, with the aim to deliver real solutions for today’s innovative company builders. Total monthly audience reach for the brand has grown significantly from 2,000,000 in 2010 to over 6,000,000 today. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

About e-Cycle
e-Cycle helps organizations take a more responsible, secure and profitable approach to wireless mobile phone recycling. e-Cycle collects used mobile devices from businesses and organizations, reimbursing them for devices that retain value and recycling all others at no charge. The information on every phone is either deleted or destroyed using the industry's most rigorous data security measures. Inc. ranked e-Cycle the #4 Fastest Growing Environmental Services Company in the U.S. and Forbes named e-Cycle the #68 Most Promising, Privately-Held Company in America. In January 2012, e-Cycle became the first mobile buyback and recycling company in the world to become e-Stewards certified. For more information, visit www.e-Cycle.com.

With the speed of business today, corporations need to develop strategies to collect, analyze and protect the rapidly increasing amount of accessible data. A recent report by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) revealed that though Big Data is continually growing, businesses and major organizations are not implementing proper procedures to manage this sensitive information. Big Data, such as information utilized on today’s smartphones, offers businesses a unique opportunity to learn about their customers. Equipped with advanced cameras, microphones, location and compass features, these mobile devices can offer invaluable business information and provide context of consumer behavior and environment.

Big Data is a loose term used for the characterization of the constant accumulation of various unstructured data. This data includes information collected from business operations, customers and transactions as well as information created by social media and other online sources. These data sets are growing exponentially and are too large, too raw or too unstructured for standard analysis using typical database techniques. The exact amount of data is less of an issue than how the data is utilized and where it is stored and protected. Most major organizations are accumulating huge amounts of Big Data that is unstructured and growing much faster than transactional data.

The report from PwC states that less than 35 percent of companies have an accurate inventory of employee and personal data. In addition, only 31 percent reported the implementation of accurate accounting of stored data. 88 percent of those surveyed use mobile devices for both personal and work purposes, however, only 45 percent of companies have a mobile security strategy in place to utilize these devices in the workplace.

Big Data analytics can offer invaluable intelligence that can assist with the improvement of IT security. The growing mobile BYOD trend often causes businesses to become overwhelmed with increasing data, become distracted by security tools and lose sight of the valuable information maintained within their internal IT systems. This results in important data that is often ignored or processed in an inefficient manner for reactive purposes. In order to effectively identify cyber threats or network issues, businesses need to have complete visibility into every piece of data generated by IT systems.

The report also reveals that despite increase in the number of data security breaches, IT security budgets stay the same. Respondents reported experiencing 50 or more security incidents, however, less than half expect an increase in their security budget over the next year. Many businesses develop a data security strategy simply to avoid the penalties caused by a data breach. This compliance driven attitude towards IT and mobile security needs to change in order to ensure the protection of the confidential data companies are entrusted with.

Businesses and organizations need to embrace the opportunity that Big Data presents and properly utilize the information to better serve their customers. It is essential for businesses to maintain a centralized system that collects and analyzes all IT activity and use this information for immediate identification, isolation and remediation of company issues. Corporations should understand benefits that Big Data analytics offer and utilize the security intelligence provided to effectively navigate the labyrinth of data security and protect IT networks. To read more, view the article, Big Data Grows as Data Security Shrinks.

e-Cycle Provides Industry Leading End-Of-Life Mobile Data Security, Buyback And Recycling
Partnering with a certified mobile buyback and recycling company will also ensure the protection of business’ Big Data. e-Cycle, provides industry leading end-of-life mobile data protection and ensures mobile security for outdated smartphones and tablets. e-Cycle collects used cell phones and tablets from businesses, providing reimbursement for all wireless devices that retain resale value. All other mobile devices are recycled at no charge. Using the industry’s most rigorous data protection measures, e-Cycle ensures that the information stored on every device is completely erased. Visit www.e-Cycle.com to learn more.

Companies often deliberately shorten product lifespans to ensure continued consumer spending. This process of ‘planned obsolescence’ means lower-cost product production for the manufacturer as well as an assurance that the consumer and businesses will eventually purchase new products or services as replacement for the old. Though this strategy may make good business sense, it challenges the idea of sustainability and causes significant harm to the environment.

Businesses want to keep their employees equipped with the latest technologies but do not want to pay excessive amounts for the newest devices. This demand results in manufacturers cutting corners during production and using inexpensive parts with a shorter life span. Implementing a mobile asset recovery program allows your organization to offset the cost of upgrading to the newest technologies while being environmentally responsible.

Increasingly shorter life cycles for mobile devices not only put a dent in telecom budgets but also in the earth's natural resources. The production of mobile devices requires raw materials such as gold, silver and copper, as well as an energy-intensive process involving toxic materials that takes a heavy toll on the environment. In addition, once these devices become obsolete, they are often exported as e-Waste to developing nations where they clog up landfill sites.

Once in these developing countries, the e-Waste is dumped in toxic landfills where primitive open-acid baths and open-air burning are used to extract the precious metals inside. Not only do the extraction methods cause substantial harm to the environment, the inhalation of the toxic fumes emitted can cause significant health problems and even death for the local men, women and children in these regions.

The EPA estimates that 70 to 80 percent of electronics recycling companies in this country either directly or indirectly export electronic waste into “toxic wastelands” in these countries. e-Stewards®, a leading global program, allows businesses looking to dispose of their old electronic equipment to easily identify recycling companies that adhere to the highest standards of environmental responsibility and employee protection. Created by the Basel Action Network (BAN), e-Stewards Certification is the only electronics recycler certification program that prohibits the export of hazardous waste to developing countries, requires a certified ISO 14001 and R2 environmental management system, includes industry-specific worker health and safety requirements and bans the use of prison labor in handling of sensitive data.

In January of this year, e-Cycle became the first mobile phone buyback and recycling company to achieve e-Stewards Certification. e-Cycle provides businesses a safe and environmentally friendly method for the disposal of used mobile phones and devices. Assisting organizations in taking a more responsible, secure and profitable approach to wireless recycling, e-Cycle purchases used cell phones and tablets that still retain value and responsibly recycles all others at no charge through an EPA-registered facility. A rigorous multi-step data deletion process permanently removes confidential data stored on these devices. Not only does e-Cycle maintain a strict zero landfill policy, their e-Stewards Certification also ensures dedication to upholding the highest global standards for environmental responsibility.

Companies continuously replacing old gadgets for new ones will become an unsustainable business practice unless a proper electronics and mobile recycling program is implemented. Not only is it costly for businesses but e-Waste is also the world’s fastest growing waste stream. Without a responsible electronic recycling process, the earth’s natural resources will continue to deplete and toxic e-Waste will continue piling up in the landfills of developing countries. Partnering with e-Stewards Certified recyclers is the only way to ensure your organization can remain equipped with the latest technologies while still protecting the environment.

To find out more, view the article 'Designed to fail' electronics a global problem.

e-Cycle secures top award for its mobile buyback and recycling operations.  The company is dedicated to empowering businesses and organizations to take a responsible, secure and cost-effective approach to wireless recycling.

Wireless asset recovery and recycling company, e-Cycle LLC, has been named a gold winner in Company of the year (small) category in Best in Biz Awards 2012, the only independent business awards program judged by members of the press and industry analysts.

Trusted by the largest organizations in the world, e-Cycle purchases mobile phones and devices from businesses and major organizations and all devices that do not have resale value are recycled in accordance with the highest environmental and safety standards. Using rigorous data deletion processes, e-Cycle ensures all confidential enterprise information is removed from the mobile devices.

More than 400 entries were received in this year’s awards program, from a wide array of public and private companies of all sizes and from a variety of industries and regions in the U.S. and Canada. Best in Biz Awards 2012 honors were presented in more than 50 categories, including Company of the Year, Most Innovative Company of the Year, Executive of the Year and Best New Product of the Year.

“This gold award is especially meaningful to us because of the Best in Biz unique judging process,” said e-Cycle CEO Christopher Irion.   “Winners are determined in part by experts in the industry. We are pleased that they have recognized our efforts to lead the industry in terms of innovation and delivering value to the organizations that turn to us for their mobile recycling needs.“

Winners of Best in Biz Awards 2012 were determined by an independent panel of 32 judges from top-tier news, business and technology publications, as well as broadcast outlets and analyst firms, such as ABC, Businessweek, Computerworld, ECT News Network, Entrepreneur, eWeek, Examiner, Financial Times, Forbes, FOX News, Hartford Business Journal, IDG Ventures, IEEE Institute, Inc., Insight Media, King Features Syndicate, Lab Reviews, Network World, The News and Observer, PC Magazine, ReadWriteWeb, South Florida Business Journal, Tech-Gaming, Techtalk, Upstart Business Journal, USA Today and ZDNet.

For a full list of gold, silver and bronze winners in Best in Biz Awards 2012, visit:http://www.bestinbizawards.com/2012-winners.

About e-Cycle
e-Cycle helps organizations take a more responsible, secure and profitable approach to wireless mobile phone recycling. e-Cycle collects used mobile devices from businesses and organizations, reimbursing them for devices that retain value and recycling all others at no charge. The information on every mobile phone is either deleted or destroyed using the industry's most rigorous data security measures. Inc. ranked e-Cycle the #21 Fastest Growing Business Services Company in the U.S. and Forbes named e-Cycle the #68 Most Promising, Privately-Held Company in America. In January 2012, e-Cycle became the first mobile buyback and recycling company in the world to become e-Stewards certified. For more information, visit www.e-Cycle.com.

About Best in Biz Awards
Best in Biz Awards recognizes top companies, teams, executives and products for their business success as judged by independent panels of members of the press and industry analysts. Best in Biz Awards honors are conferred in three separate programs during the calendar year: U.S. and Canada, EMEA, and International. For more information about the entry process and categories in all three programs, please visit: http://www.bestinbizawards.com.

Tonia Irion, co-founder and president of mobile recycling and buyback company e-Cycle LLC, was presented with two Gold Stevie^® Awards for Company of the Year and Entrepreneur of the Year in the Business Services categories. Awards were announced at the Stevie Awards for Women in Business gala banquet on November 9, 2012 in New York.

The Stevie Awards for Women in Business are produced by the creators of the prestigious American Business Awards and International Business Awards. The Stevie Awards are widely considered to be the world’s premier business awards for women executives, entrepreneurs and the organizations they run.

More than 1,200 entries were submitted this year by organizations and individuals around the world for consideration in more than 90 categories, including Executive of the Year, Entrepreneur of the Year, Women Helping Women and Communications Campaign of the Year. e-Cycle is committed to providing environmentally friendly and cost-effective services to U.S and international organizations to protect their sensitive data and recycle their mobile devices.

“We are honored  to be recognized for the services we provide to our enterprise and government partners,”  Irion said. “e-Cycle was founded upon three guiding passions: A love of technology, a commitment to environmental stewardship and a deep belief in charitable giving. We are privileged to have such a dedicated team of employees who live our core values every day and to work with clients who understand the importance of implementing secure and environmentally responsible wireless recycling programs within their organizations.”

Finalists were chosen by more than 130 business professionals worldwide during preliminary judging. Members of five final judging committees determined the Gold, Silver and Bronze Stevie Award placements from among the finalists during final judging.

The complete list of award winners is available at http://www.stevieawards.com/women.

About the Stevie^® Awards
Stevie Awards are conferred in four programs: The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com.

About e-Cycle
Co-founded by Tonia and Chris Irion in 2005, e-Cycle helps organizations take a more responsible, secure and profitable approach to wireless mobile phone recycling. e-Cycle collects used mobile devices from businesses and organizations, reimbursing them for devices that retain value and recycling all other wireless devices at no charge. The information on every phone is either deleted or destroyed using the industry's most rigorous data security measures. Inc. ranked e-Cycle the #21 Fastest Growing Business Services Company in the U.S. and Forbes named e-Cycle the #68 Most Promising, Privately-Held Company in America. In January 2012, e-Cycle became the first mobile buyback and recycling company in the world to become e-Stewards certified. For more information, visit www.e-Cycle.com.

The leading mobile buyback and recycling company is encouraging businesses and organizations to donate a portion of their mobile buyback revenue to support the cause.

e-Cycle, the leading mobile buyback and recycling company, is encouraging businesses and organizations to help raise funds for type 1 diabetes research during National Diabetes Month in November.

As part of the initiative, e-Cycle is asking its clients to donate a portion of their mobile buyback revenue to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). e-Cycle has a history of working with JDRF and has a personal interest in the organization, as company founders Christopher and Tonia Irion have a child with type 1 diabetes. Tonia also serves on the board of the Mid-Ohio Chapter of JDRF.

e-Cycle has assisted numerous businesses and organizations with charitable giving solutions through wireless recycling. During the campaign, e-Cycle will maximize the amount of money raised through mobile buyback, coordinate the donations on behalf of clients and write a check directly to the JDRF on their behalf.

JDRF is the leading global organization focused on type 1 diabetes research. The goal of its research is to improve the lives of all people affected by type 1 diabetes by accelerating progress on the most promising opportunities for curing, better treating and preventing the disease. Visit http://www.jdrf.org for more information.

The effort comes at a time when there will be a greater focus on recycling, as November 15 is America Recycles Day.

“We’re providing businesses and organizations with an avenue to make a difference on multiple levels,” said Tonia Irion, e-Cycle president. “They not only have the opportunity to protect the environment by recycling their enterprise mobile devices, but they also can support efforts to improve type 1 diabetes treatment and find a cure.”

This most recent campaign continues e-Cycle’s history of charitable giving to JDRF as well as other worthy causes. Earlier this year, e-Cycle partnered with Ford Motor Company on a program in which thousands of employees at Ford facilities across the U.S. are collecting their personal mobile phones for shipment to e-Cycle. For each phone collected from August through December, e-Cycle is donating $1 to JDRF. In October, e-Cycle joined with a prominent financial institution to raise nearly $96,000 for the Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, N.C., through a mobile recycling program and golf charity event.

“JDRF is honored to have a partner in e-Cycle and the Irion’s. Tonia’s work on our Board is invaluable. She is raising the awareness of the need for research funding for type 1 diabetes in Central Ohio,” said Cathy Paessun, JDRF Mid-Ohio’s Executive Director.

About e-Cycle
e-Cycle helps organizations take a more responsible, secure and profitable approach to wireless mobile phone recycling. e-Cycle collects used mobile devices from businesses and organizations, reimbursing them for mobile devices that retain value and recycling all others at no charge. The information on every wireless phone is either deleted or destroyed using the industry's most rigorous data security measures. For more information, visit www.e-Cycle.com.