In this special ASCDI edition of the Technology Reseller News podcast, Doug Green speaks with Larry O’Connor, Founder of Other World Computing (OWC), about the company’s long-standing role in extending the useful life of technology—and why repairability, reuse, and on-prem infrastructure matter more than ever.

O’Connor describes OWC not as a traditional technology vendor, but as a company focused on helping customers get more value, performance, and longevity from the technology they already own. From memory and storage upgrades to connectivity solutions, direct-attached devices, and network-attached storage platforms, OWC designs products that integrate easily into workflows and “just work,” allowing users to focus on outcomes rather than IT overhead.

That philosophy naturally extends into the ITAD and circular economy space. OWC has spent more than a decade supporting secure data destruction, recertification, upgrades, and reuse—particularly within the Apple ecosystem. O’Connor emphasizes that too much usable technology is prematurely retired, despite having significant second-life value. Through components, repair services, and resale channels, OWC works closely with ITAD partners to keep equipment productive and out of landfills.

The conversation also explores OWC’s strong advocacy for Right to Repair, including direct involvement in recent state-level legislation. O’Connor argues that repairability is essential not only for sustainability, but also for economic efficiency, workforce development, and even national readiness—pointing out the broader impact of proprietary restrictions across industries such as agriculture, transportation, and defense.

Looking ahead, O’Connor discusses the growing re-evaluation of cloud-only strategies, noting rising costs, data ownership concerns, and resilience risks. OWC continues to invest in high-performance on-prem and hybrid storage solutions, enabling organizations to retain control of their data while achieving cloud-like collaboration and sharing—often with better performance and lower long-term cost.

As an ASCDI member, OWC represents a bridge between hardware innovation, sustainability, ITAD collaboration, and practical infrastructure design. “We’ve been part of the circular economy long before it had a name,” O’Connor notes, underscoring OWC’s decades-long commitment to technology that lasts.

To learn more about Other World Computing, visit https://www.owc.com/.