Exploring Alternatives to OEM Maintenance for Your Networking Hardware

Determining how to best support your networking hardware at different stages in the asset lifecycle can prove to be a challenging task, especially when it has reached EOSL with the OEM.

Identifying best-fit scenarios and timescales for when to make the switch to an effective TPM can feel intimidating. First, let’s review the key terminology used by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). End of Life (EOL) means hardware support is no longer available from the manufacturer. When a manufacturer stops selling a particular device, they will stop updating software codes and advise when they will stop maintenance, (EOSL – End of Service Life). This EOSL date (also called LDOS – Last Date of Support) can vary anywhere between 3-5 years from release. Age of asset is a critical factor to map as reaching ”EOL” does not ultimately trigger the need for alternative maintenance options. However, there is a direct correlation between asset age and TPM maintenance options becoming financially attractive. Generally, the economics become compelling 2-3 years after the EOL announcement indicating an optimal times to start exploring TPM options. It has been widely documented by leading analysts, including Gartner, that TPM contracts can offer customers 50% to 70% savings off OEM support.

Determining which support options are best for you:

Chances are, you have equipment in your IT estate all at different stages in the IT lifecycle from different OEMs. Determining how to best support this equipment can be a challenge. That’s why Park Place Technologies offers a free ClearView™ Assessment – An objective recommendation for which of your networking devices should stay on manufacturer support, those we recommended moving to Park Place Hardware Maintenance™, and equipment that is a good match for NetSure+ – our support that combines of third-party support with our global logistics expertise.

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A hybrid support approach, which can be realized with tools such as a ClearView™ Assessment, helps you make smarter support decisions. An examination of your network assets can indicate optimal SLA requirements and long-term business needs.

Some networking kits should never be outsourced:

Regardless of age, there a few clear no-go’s for contracting out of networking maintenance. A third-party maintainer should suggest placing items under OEM maintenance that are heavily dependent on subscription services and/or entail software updates that are only available with an OEM support contract and migrating the remainder of equipment to third-party maintenance.  If your equipment is better suited to remain on OEM support because of subscription services, but you’re still interested in Global 24/7 support including parts, labor, and remote technical support – Park Place Technologies’ Netsure+ may be the best option for you.

Setting the stall for networking maintenance options:

The first stage in any hardware lifecycle management process is to set the stall with a complete understanding of all networking assets. Utilizing a Network Discovery tool to automatically discover at what stage the networking asset sits within the lifecycle noting key milestones - including End of Sale (EOS) and End of Software Maintenance (EOSW) release dates. Manufacturers typically also throw in end of support terminology including Last Date of Support (LDOS), End of Support (EOS), and End of Service Life (EOSL). This hybrid approach considers all equipment including wireless access points and network directors across different OEMs. Flexibility of adding and removing assets is an essential component of using server maintenance companies. Check with the TPM for assurances when things go wrong – Park Place Technologies reassuringly offers a First-Time Fix™ Guarantee, meaning if the network hardware issue is not resolved on first visit, a credit is issued for the next month of monitoring on that device.

Identifying EOS milestones and support options in advance will give you greater freedom to make educated choices for support. You will be in a position to understand where it makes sense to pay premium fees for manufacturer support, and where you have the opportunity to extend the product lifecycles, reduce OPEX, and defer capital expenditure by leveraging hardware maintenance.

Park Place Technologies – standing by to advise your networking maintenance options in full.

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At Park Place Technologies, our portfolio of hardware maintenance, professional services, managed services, software solutions, and hardware sales can help you optimize a variety of IT projects.