Overview

Technology teams at universities face a familiar tension: aging equipment, evolving compliance requirements, and shifting program needs, all while navigating complex procurement and vendor approval processes. For California State University San Marcos, the challenge was clear. They had significant residual value locked up in an aging fleet of iPads and iMacs, but needed a refresh partner who could help them capture that value without adding administrative burden or upfront costs. 

Solution

Second Life Mac approached the engagement as a true partnership, not a transaction. From day one, the Blue Glove pickup team arrived fully prepared, handling packing materials, onsite coordination, and logistics end-to-end. Cal State San Marcos simply made the devices available. Second Life Mac managed everything else.

What truly removed friction from the process was the financial model. There were no upfront costs for scheduling, onsite support, or materials. For universities operating under tight budget constraints, this was critical. Instead of requiring payment to get started, Second Life Mac paid the university for its devices. Once the baseline agreement was in place, the entire process moved forward smoothly, with clear expectations and full transparency at every step.

Results

The 620-device refresh demonstrated what’s possible when responsiveness and clarity are built into the partnership. Communication was fast and consistent, often same-day, with no surprises or delays. The experience was efficient, predictable, and easy to manage, even within the constraints of a large public university system.

As a result, Cal State San Marcos continues to look for new opportunities to recapture value from its aging Apple fleet, confident in a partner that understands how higher education operates. They have also shared their experience with technology leaders across other CSU campuses, helping extend the impact beyond a single refresh. As they put it, “Without hesitation. It’s great for anyone looking for a seamless and swift experience.”

This engagement reflects what a real partnership looks like: built on understanding, executed with care, and designed to deliver value well beyond the first refresh.