Third-party Maintenance Services & Hardware Support

Boost Performance, Slash Costs

What is Third-Party Maintenance?

Third-party maintenance (TPM) is a type of hardware support provided by a company other than the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). TPM can be a helpful solution for post-warranty maintenance when the OEM stops supporting legacy servers, storage, or networking equipment.

For example, TPM can cover support for an IBM PS700 Blade that is no longer under warranty after reaching end-of-service-life (EOSL). The level of service selected for IBM Third Party Maintenance or other TPM varies and can include phone and online technical support, component coverage and replacement, on-site engineering assistance, remote monitoring, operating system support, global multi-vendor support, and even proactive maintenance and cost-management strategies.

TPM provides additional support for businesses using legacy equipment that might not otherwise have any post-warranty coverage. This type of maintenance service helps organizations avoid unexpected downtime and reduce costs associated with repairing or replacing older hardware.

3rd party maintenance performed by vetted engineers

Multi-Vendor Support

Our talented engineers are certified across a broad range of OEM platforms, delivering exceptional multi-vendor support. From Cisco to Dell, IBM, HP, and more, we provide an unparalleled level of service regardless of your infrastructure mix.

Advantages of Third-Party Hardware Maintenance

The advantages of third-party maintenance include scalability, improved performance, and flexibility. Let’s take a look at TPM’s benefits in more detail:

The best 3rd party support provider company

Cost Savings

TPM generates significant cost savings compared to maintaining hardware with the OEM. In many cases, TPM contracts are 50% to 70% less expensive than the cost of OEM maintenance.
3rd party data center maintenance service level agreements

Flexible SLAs and Certified Engineers

TPM providers often have a global network of certified engineers who can provide same-day or next-business-day (NBD) onsite support. TPM providers also offer a diverse set of Support Level Agreements (SLAs) that can be customized to meet your organization’s specific needs.
3rd party support for server hardware

Longer Hardware Life Expectancy

TPM allows for longer hardware life expectancy because TPM providers often have access to replacement parts that the OEM no longer manufactures.
flexible third party maintenance

Coverage Flexibility

TPM also provides more flexibility when it comes to coverage. For example, you may only need coverage for certain parts of your system or for certain hours of the day. With TPM, you have the flexibility to choose the coverage that makes the most sense for your organization.
alternative to oem support

Multi-Vendor Coverage

As TPM becomes more mainstream, vendors are beginning to offer similar services for multi-vendor environments. This can be a big benefit for organizations that maintain a mix of hardware from different manufacturers.

TPM generates significant cost savings compared to maintaining hardware with the OEM. In many cases, TPM contracts are 50% to 70% less expensive than the cost of OEM maintenance.

TPM providers often have a global network of certified engineers who can provide same-day or next-business-day (NBD) onsite support. TPM providers also offer a diverse set of Support Level Agreements (SLAs) that can be customized to meet your organization’s specific needs.

In addition to cost savings, TPM can result in a longer hardware life expectancy. This is because TPM providers often have access to replacement parts that the OEM no longer manufactures.TPM also provides more flexibility when it comes to coverage. For example, you may only need coverage for certain parts of your system or for certain hours of the day. With TPM, you have the flexibility to choose the coverage that makes the most sense for your organization. Finally, as TPM becomes more mainstream, vendors are beginning to offer similar services for multi-vendor environments. This can be a big benefit for organizations that maintain a mix of hardware from different manufacturers.

To summarize, a number of advantages can be gained from adopting TPM services, such as:
  • Cost Savings – 50-70% less than OEM prices
  • Diverse SLAs and certified engineers – customized SLAs that fit your needs
  • Longer hardware life expectancy – access to replacement parts no longer being manufactured by the OEM
  • Flexible coverage – coverage where you need it, when you need it, and how you need it
  • Support for multi-vendor environments – all bundled into one agreement

Affordable, Reliable, and Unmatched Hardware Support

ReluTech, we believe in extending the life of your IT assets to avoid a refresh. Unlike the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) services, our third-party maintenance solution provides cost-effective, personalized service that extends the life of your IT equipment. We optimize your IT budget by offering services that are typically 50-70% less expensive than manufacturer support contracts.

Responsive Customer Support

Experience exceptional 24/7 customer support with ReluTech. Our dedicated team of experts is always ready to address your concerns and provide you with the best possible solutions at the right level of response.

Third-Party Maintenance with a Difference

Experience a more efficient, cost-effective, and personalized approach to third-party IT maintenance with ReluTech. As a leading provider of IT infrastructure support, we help businesses reduce costs, extend the life of their equipment, and achieve their business goals.

Proactive Maintenance Approach

Our monitoring solution with your data center hardware ensures potential issues are identified and addressed before they cause any disruption. Using advanced monitoring tools, we keep a remote view of your IT systems, ensuring their optimal performance.

Understanding When to Use Third-Party Maintenance

When should your organization turn to third party hardware support? Here are some examples of when switching to TPM may be a good idea for you and your business:

► The OEM Raised the Cost of Your Maintenance

You receive notice that your equipment is coming up on end of life [EOL] and now you are faced with either choosing for your hardware to go unsupported or paying the OEM more to cover your EOL assets.

You might consider running your equipment without support because your current IT team has the knowledge to keep it up and running. However, this can put you in a tight spot if your team is unavailable for whatever reason. Whether that be a reduction in workforce, vacation, or sick leave, you always want redundancy of skill to handle these situations. That’s when TPM is the better option.

When it comes to maintaining your mission-critical infrastructure, there’s simply no substitute for dedicated support from a reliable third-party provider. Without this level of protection, your team may not be able to acquire replacement components or install and configure them properly, putting your entire operation at risk.

A quality third-party maintenance provider will not only keep your systems up and running, but also save you a significant amount of money in the process. If you’re looking for peace of mind and cost savings, we recommend partnering with a reputable third-party maintenance provider.

► Your Assets Are Almost End of Service Life

If you have not purchased an extended warranty for your assets and they’re approaching End of Service Life or even End of Life, the OEMs will not provide service for your hardware. If the OEM does provide service, it likely will not be a long-term solution and ultimately they will try to upgrade you to new hardware unless you run your environment without coverage.

If you are working within a tight budget and there is no reason to decommission your current hardware, using TPM maintenance providers will help you maintain your current hardware while saving your budget. 

► You Are Not Looking to Hire Specialized Talent Just to Manage Aging Hardware

► Your Current It Team Is Stretched Thin

If you’re experiencing bandwidth issues with your IT team, you might need to consider outsourcing maintenance to a third-party provider. This can be especially helpful if you have a smaller IT team or if your regular staff isn’t equipped to handle the demand.

Third-party maintenance providers can offer you the necessary help at a fraction of the cost of hiring new staff or expanding your department. Plus, you won’t have to worry about issues escalating quickly and overwhelming your team.

► You Are Looking to Migrate to the Cloud

When moving to the cloud, most companies are surprised to find out they need short-term coverage to bridge the gap between on-premise and cloud solutions. Costs increase while you’re moving to the cloud because you are essentially running two environments at once. This inflated cost is often referred to as the “double bubble”.

OEMs lack the flexibility to deal with the unforeseeable time scales and the decommissioning of assets at different times. Even if you only need a couple of months of protection, an OEM might get you to buy a full year of coverage.

Therefore, third-party maintenance providers are indispensable during a cloud migration. Some providers even offer short-term solutions, ranging from one month and upwards. This way, you won’t drain your budget on assets you ultimately do not need. Look into providers that can offer you capital upfront and then lease back the assets you need and decommission them within your time frame.

Our talented engineers are certified across a broad range of OEM platforms, delivering exceptional multi-vendor support. From Cisco to Dell, IBM, HP, and more, we provide an unparalleled level of service regardless of your infrastructure mix.

Extended Equipment Lifespan 3rd party maintenance

Extended Equipment Lifespan

Don’t replace; rejuvenate! We’ll extend the lifecycle of your current equipment, ensuring better ROI.

Budget-Friendly third-party maintenance

Budget-Friendly

Cut down on costs without compromising quality. Our services typically cost 50-70% less than original equipment manufacturer (OEM) contracts.

Flexible Contracts 3rd party maintenance

Flexible Contracts

Tailor-made solutions to fit your exact needs. Bid goodbye to one-size-fits-all OEM contracts.

Fast & Efficient support third party maintenance

Fast & Efficient Support

Round-the-clock experts on standby. Less waiting, more doing.

Global Reach, Local Touch

Our vast network of engineers and specialists spans the globe. This means we can offer local, personalized services on a global scale. Wherever you are, our world-class support is never far away.

vendorsupport thirdpartymaintenance it services reach globally

Our TPM Services Include

We offer flexible contract terms for our third-party maintenance services. Whether you need short-term, long-term, or coterminous agreements, we’ve got you covered. We strive to offer a service that best fits your business timeline and budget.

Hardware Maintenance & Repairs

Get unparalleled hardware support, ensuring minimum downtime.

Data Center Support

Seamlessly manage & optimize your data centers with our expert assistance.

End-of-Life Support

Even when manufacturers pull the plug, we’ve got you covered. Continue getting support for your legacy systems.

Parts Replacement & Upgrades

Equip yourself with genuine, high-quality parts without exorbitant price tags.

8x5xNBD-HPO

Platform

  • Asset Management
  • Ticket Initiation & Tracking
  • Dashboard Analytics & Reporting
  • Contract Management
  • Renewal Reminders

Helpdesk

  • 24x7x365, US Based Helpdesk
  • Average Ticket Engagement < 15 mins
  • Call Home on Most Storage Products
  • SW/FW Guidance On Most OEM Products
  • Remote Diagnosis/Triage
  • Dedicated Customer Success Manager (CSM)

Certified Parts

  • 24 Hour Delivery After Issue Diagnosis
  • Next Business Day Delivery After Issue Diagnosis
  • On-Site Spare Parts Stocking
  • Coverage on Consumables
  • Defective Media Retention (DMR)

Field Engineering

  • Fully Vetted Engineers in 150 Countries
  • On-Site Field Engineer in Residency
  • On-Site Field Engineer Within 4 Hours
  • On-Site Field Engineer on the Next Business Day

re:Leaf
24x7xNBD-HPO

Platform

  • Asset Management
  • Ticket Initiation & Tracking
  • Dashboard Analytics & Reporting
  • Contract Management
  • Renewal Reminders

Helpdesk

  • 24x7x365, US Based Helpdesk
  • Average Ticket Engagement < 15 mins
  • Call Home on Most Storage Products
  • SW/FW Guidance On Most OEM Products
  • Remote Diagnosis/Triage
  • Dedicated Customer Success Manager (CSM)

Certified Parts

  • 24 Hour Delivery After Issue Diagnosis
  • Next Business Day Delivery After Issue Diagnosis
  • On-Site Spare Parts Stocking
  • Coverage on Consumables
  • Defective Media Retention (DMR)

Field Engineering

  • Fully Vetted Engineers in 150 Countries
  • On-Site Field Engineer in Residency
  • On-Site Field Engineer Within 4 Hours
  • On-Site Field Engineer on the Next Business Day

24x7x4-HPO

Platform

  • Asset Management
  • Ticket Initiation & Tracking
  • Dashboard Analytics & Reporting
  • Contract Management
  • Renewal Reminders

Helpdesk

  • 24x7x365, US Based Helpdesk
  • Average Ticket Engagement < 15 mins
  • Call Home on Most Storage Products
  • SW/FW Guidance On Most OEM Products
  • Remote Diagnosis/Triage
  • Dedicated Customer Success Manager (CSM)

Certified Parts

  • 24 Hour Delivery After Issue Diagnosis
  • Next Business Day Delivery After Issue Diagnosis
  • On-Site Spare Parts Stocking
  • Coverage on Consumables
  • Defective Media Retention (DMR)

Field Engineering

  • Fully Vetted Engineers in 150 Countries
  • On-Site Field Engineer in Residency
  • On-Site Field Engineer Within 4 Hours
  • On-Site Field Engineer on the Next Business Day

Custom*

Platform

  • Asset Management
  • Ticket Initiation & Tracking
  • Dashboard Analytics & Reporting
  • Contract Management
  • Renewal Reminders

Helpdesk

  • 24x7x365, US Based Helpdesk
  • Average Ticket Engagement < 15 mins
  • Call Home on Most Storage Products
  • SW/FW Guidance On Most OEM Products
  • Remote Diagnosis/Triage
  • Dedicated Customer Success Manager (CSM)

Certified Parts

  • 24 Hour Delivery After Issue Diagnosis
  • Next Business Day Delivery After Issue Diagnosis
  • On-Site Spare Parts Stocking
  • Coverage on Consumables
  • Defective Media Retention (DMR)

Field Engineering

  • Fully Vetted Engineers in 150 Countries
  • On-Site Field Engineer in Residency
  • On-Site Field Engineer Within 4 Hours
  • On-Site Field Engineer on the Next Business Day

Why Relutech as Your TPM Provider?

 
top 3rdparty-maintenance support near me

Certified Experts

Our team comprises industry-certified professionals ready to resolve any difficulty you are facing with your hardware.

Rapid Response Time

Because every second counts. Our quick response ensures that issues are resolved promptly.

Customized Service Levels

Choose from various service level agreements (SLAs) tailored to meet your unique requirements.

Transparent Pricing

No hidden fees. No surprises. Only straightforward, competitive pricing.

Client Testimonials

 

Switching to ReluTech’s third-party maintenance was a game-changer. Not only did we save on costs, but the support has been exceptional!”

– Booster

“ReluTech is the only company that allowed us to not only save money on support, but also to easily manage our purchasing and contract management via Elastic Maintenance on AWS Marketplace”

— Vistaprint

Invest in Maintenance That Matters. Choose ReluTech Today.

Hardware Solutions and TPM FAQs

How Can Third-Party Hardware Support Benefit Your Business?

Third-party maintenance or 3rd party maintenance is a service provided by independent companies that aren’t the original equipment manufacturer (OEM). These companies provide support for hardware equipment like servers, storage, and network gear.

Many businesses are leveraging TPM to extend the life of their IT assets, reduce operational expenses, and enjoy a more flexible, personalized support model.

How Does Third-Party Maintenance Compare to OEM Services?

Often, businesses find themselves questioning the difference between OEM services and third-party maintenance. TPM typically provides a more cost-effective solution, offering 50-80% savings compared to OEMs. They also offer more customizable support, including end-of-life and end-of-service-life support that OEMs usually discontinue, thereby extending the useful life of IT hardware.

What Should You Consider When Choosing a Third-Party Maintenance Provider?

Selecting a TPM provider requires careful consideration. Factors such as the provider’s expertise, range of supported devices, response times, and customer support quality play crucial roles. Additionally, it’s worth considering the TPM provider’s geographic coverage, especially if your business operations span multiple locations. Ensuring that the chosen provider meets your specific business needs can maximize the benefits of third-party maintenance.

How Do You Choose the Right Third-Party Vendor?

Third-party maintenance vendors can be a great asset to any company, providing crucial support and ensuring your environment runs smoothly. However, it is important to choose the right vendor for your needs. There are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a third-party maintenance provider.

First, make sure the vendor has experience with the type of equipment you use. Second, ensure the vendor has a good reputation and can provide references from satisfied customers. Third, get quotes from several different vendors and compare prices. By taking the time to do your research, you can find a third-party maintenance vendor that will meet your needs and provide quality service.

Not all vendors are the same and the experiences you can have with them can vary dependent on your SLA. Some specialize in specific lines of hardware and mainframes. Others may have a broader reach to cover multiple OEMs. Consider how involved you want a vendor to be in your ticket-handling process. Some will provide a portal where you can do everything you need from a customer perspective. Others simply give you a phone number and an email address as a way to handle issues and make changes.

The longevity of employees is also important. Are you constantly dealing with a new point of contact from your vendor? Consistent and happy employees typically translate to good service and happy customers.

Questions to ask yourself about the provider: How long has the company been around? Does their typical customer profile match that of your company? Some TPM companies live in the SMB space and may struggle to keep up with the needs of an enterprise environment. Are they providing feedback and options or simply taking orders and moving on? Both might be okay for you however look for a company that has a reputation for going above and beyond for your company.

What Are the Main Benefits of Third-Party Maintenance?

There are many advantages to adopting data center maintenance services from a third party. One of the biggest benefits is reducing IT expenditure by switching from the manufacturer. TPM services are often more flexible when compared to OEM contracts, especially when it’s time to decommission assets due to unforeseeable circumstances or during a lengthy cloud migration.

The decision to use third-party maintenance ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for cost savings and flexibility or you need around-the-clock support, working with a third-party provider may be the right choice for you. In general, third-party providers are best for businesses that don’t have their own IT staff or need faster repairs.

ReluTech offers third-party support that matches the quality of OEM maintenance, but at a fraction of the cost. Offering flexible break/fix contracts and parts available with short lead times differentiates ReluTech from the competition. If you’re curious about how much your business can save, check out our third-party maintenance offerings and get a quote today!

How Does the Third-Party Hardware Maintenance Market Evolve?

Third-party maintenance has been around for decades but gained mainstream attention in 2015. A 2019 Gartner report examining the hardware support market found that it’s increasingly more common to use a hybrid maintenance strategy with OEM-authorized and OEM-independent maintenance. 

TPM’s increasing popularity has led to an ecosystem of independent support providers for servers, storage, and networking equipment. TPM pricing continues to become more and more aggressive as vendors compete against each other for renewal opportunities. [read the entire article here]

Case Studies

Vistaprint Saved Hundreds of Thousands on Maintenance Costs

by ReluTech | Aug 30, 2021

read more

A Software Company in Illinois Saved $300,000 on Hardware Maintenance

by ReluTech | Dec 3, 2020

read more

A Manufacturer and Retailer in Wisconsin Cuts Costs on Its Migration

by ReluTech | Dec 3, 2020

read more

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