5th October 2023
Third Party Maintenance
Businesses face the challenge of optimising their IT infrastructure while minimising costs. As original equipment manufacturer (OEM) contracts expire and products reach their end of service life (EOSL), the need for alternative maintenance solutions becomes evident. This is where Third Party Maintenance (TPM) providers step in, offering cost-effective and efficient support for IT equipment that is out of warranty or end-of-life with the OEM.
What is Third-Party Maintenance?
Third-Party Maintenance, also known as TPM, is a contracted service that provides spare parts and IT equipment servicing for hardware that is no longer covered by OEM support. TPM providers offer an attractive alternative to extending OEM support due to their cost-saving benefits and enhanced customer service.
Benefits of Third-Party Maintenance
1. Cost Savings
One of the primary advantages of TPM is the substantial cost savings it offers. By opting for third-party maintenance, businesses can reduce their IT maintenance expenses by up to 70% compared to OEM support. This cost reduction allows organisations to allocate their budget towards other critical areas of growth and innovation.
2. Extended Equipment Lifecycles
TPM enables businesses to extend the useful life of their IT assets beyond the manufacturer’s designated timeframe. With TPM, organisations can delay capital expenditures and maximise the return on investment by prolonging the lifespan of their equipment by up to 12 years beyond EOSL. This extension allows businesses to extract more value from their existing infrastructure without compromising on performance.
3. Quality Service from OEM-Certified Engineers
TPM providers ensure that businesses receive top-quality service by employing OEM-certified engineers. These highly skilled professionals have the expertise and knowledge to resolve any hardware issues efficiently. By partnering with TPM providers, organisations can rely on experienced professionals who are dedicated to ensuring the optimal performance and reliability of their IT infrastructure.
4. Simplified Hardware Support
Managing multiple vendors for hardware support can be time-consuming and administratively burdensome. TPM simplifies this process by offering a unified contract that covers maintenance for multi-vendor equipment. With a single point of contact, businesses can save time, money, and effort by streamlining their hardware support operations.
5. Customisable Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
TPM providers understand that every business has unique requirements. Therefore, they offer customizable SLAs that cater to specific needs and budgets. Businesses can tailor their SLAs to include coverage windows, intervention and repair times, and other parameters that align with their operational demands. This flexibility ensures that organisations receive the level of support they need, when they need it.
How TPM Works
TPM providers offer a comprehensive range of services to meet the diverse needs of businesses. These services include:
1. Hardware Maintenance
TPM providers offer hardware maintenance services for a wide range of IT equipment, including servers, storage devices, and networking devices. These services encompass preventive maintenance, troubleshooting, repairs, and part replacements. By proactively maintaining and servicing IT hardware, TPM providers help businesses minimise downtime and maximise the performance and reliability of their infrastructure.
2. Spare Parts Procurement
One of the key aspects of TPM is the availability of spare parts for various hardware systems. TPM providers maintain extensive inventories of spare parts, ensuring prompt and efficient replacement whenever required. This allows businesses to maintain optimal uptime and minimise disruptions caused by equipment failures.
3. Asset Disposal and Recycling
As businesses upgrade their IT infrastructure, proper disposal and recycling of old equipment become crucial. TPM providers often offer IT Asset Disposal (ITAD) services, ensuring that outdated hardware is disposed of in an environmentally responsible manner. These services help businesses meet regulatory requirements and contribute to a sustainable and green digital world.
Choosing the Right TPM Provider
When selecting a TPM provider, businesses should consider several factors to ensure they partner with the right organisation for their needs. Some key considerations include:
1. Experience and Expertise
Look for a TPM provider with a proven track record and extensive experience in the industry. An experienced provider will have the necessary expertise to handle a wide range of hardware systems and offer reliable support.
2. Global Reach
If your business operates internationally or has multiple locations, it is essential to choose a TPM provider with a global reach. This ensures that you can receive consistent and efficient support regardless of your geographic location.
3. Customer Service
Superior customer service is crucial when it comes to TPM. Look for a provider that offers responsive support, 24/7 access to help desks, and a dedicated team of professionals who are readily available to address any issues that may arise.
4. Flexibility and Customization
Every business has unique requirements, so it is important to choose a TPM provider that offers flexible service options and customisable SLAs. This allows you to tailor the maintenance services to align with your specific needs and budget.
5. Certifications and Compliance
Ensure that the TPM provider adheres to industry standards and possesses relevant certifications. This ensures that they have the necessary expertise and processes in place to deliver high-quality service and comply with regulatory requirements.
Case Studies: Real-World Examples
To understand the impact of TPM, let’s explore a couple of real-world case studies:
Case Study 1: Manufacturing Client
One of our customers, a global manufacturing firm, was facing budget constraints and needed to reduce their IT maintenance costs. They partnered with Fortitude Nicsa Global who offered a comprehensive maintenance solution for their diverse IT infrastructure. By switching to TPM, Our customer experienced a significant reduction in maintenance expenses, allowing them to allocate their budget towards other critical business initiatives. Additionally, our quick response times and expertise helped minimise downtime and maximise the performance of their IT assets.
Case Study 2: Financial Sector Client
Another one of our clients, a financial services provider, had a complex IT environment with equipment from multiple vendors. Managing maintenance contracts with each OEM was time-consuming and inefficient. They decided to consolidate their hardware support by partnering with Fortitude Nicsa Global who offered multi-vendor maintenance in a single contract. This simplified their maintenance operations, saving them time, effort, and administrative overhead. Furthermore, our customised SLAs ensured that our customer received the level of support they needed for their critical operations.
Our Thoughts
Third Party Maintenance offers businesses a cost-effective and efficient alternative to OEM support for their IT infrastructure. By partnering with TPM providers, organisations can extend the life of their equipment, reduce maintenance costs, and simplify their hardware support operations. The availability of customisable SLAs and dedicated OEM-certified engineers ensures that businesses receive high-quality service tailored to their specific needs. With the right TPM provider, businesses can maximize the value and performance of their IT assets while focusing on their core operations and driving growth. Explore the possibilities of TPM and unlock the potential of your IT infrastructure today.
Additional Information:
Fortitude Nicsa Global is a leading TPM provider with a wealth of experience in delivering comprehensive hardware maintenance services. Our team of OEM-certified engineers ensures top-quality support for a wide range of IT equipment. We offer customisable SLAs to meet the unique requirements of businesses and have a global reach to provide consistent service wherever you operate. With a focus on customer satisfaction and cost savings, Fortitude Nicsa Global is your trusted partner in maximising the value and performance of your IT assets through Third Party Maintenance. Contact us today for a consultation and see how we can help optimise your IT infrastructure.