Maximizing the Lifespan of Your IT Hardware with Aftermarket Support Services

Posted by The Team at CXtec on Jan 30, 2023 2:01:15 AM

Aftermarket support service providers offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional OEM (original equipment manufacturer)...

Aftermarket support service providers offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional OEM (original equipment manufacturer) support. These providers specialize in maintaining and repairing the following range of IT hardware:

  • Servers,
  • Storage devices,
  • Networking equipment.

They provide various services, including on-site repair, remote troubleshooting, and spare parts management.

Extending the Lifespan of IT Hardware: Is it Possible?

Extending the lifespan of IT hardware is crucial to maintaining an efficient IT infrastructure. One effective solution to this challenge is using aftermarket support service providers. The primary benefit of aftermarket support is the ability to support older or end-of-life hardware that the original equipment manufacturer may no longer support. This extends the lifespan of the equipment and allows organizations to delay costly replacements.

Proactive monitoring and maintenance is another critical advantage of aftermarket support. Providers can identify potential issues and take preventative measures to cut downtime. This increases uptime and ensures the smooth functioning of the organization's IT infrastructure.

Find out how RapidCare® helps organizations save up to 70% compared to OEM extended warranties

Also, aftermarket support providers offer customizable service level agreements (SLAs). This allows prioritization of the most critical hardware and services. Thus, ensuring they remain fully operational.

Aftermarket support service providers offer their services at a fraction of the cost of OEM support. This can help organizations to save significant amounts on support costs. The IT head can then reallocate the cost savings to other vital projects.

Added bonus: they can help organizations with scaling as the business grows. It may be necessary to add or upgrade hardware. They can help organizations identify the best hardware for their needs. All while ensuring that it is properly installed and configured.

Another advantage is having a single point of contact for all hardware maintenance needs. Instead of coordinating with many OEMs, these providers can handle all hardware maintenance needs under one roof. This leads to more streamlined communication.

Additionally, aftermarket support providers can provide on-site repair services. This can benefit organizations with remote locations or limited IT staff. This eliminates the need to ship hardware back and forth for repairs. Thus, resulting in faster resolution times and less downtime.

Types of IT Hardware that Require Aftermarket Support

Several types of IT Hardware require post-purchase maintenance and support, including:

Servers:

Servers are the backbone of any organization's IT infrastructure. They store, process, and manage data and applications. They are essential for the smooth functioning of any business. Aftermarket support providers can help organizations keep their servers running smoothly. All by providing proactive monitoring and maintenance and on-site repair services.

Storage devices:

Hard drives, tape drives, and flash drives are critical to storing and retrieving data. Aftermarket support providers ensure that their storage devices function correctly and provide repair and replacement services as needed.

Networking equipment:

Routers, switches, and firewalls are essential for connecting devices and maintaining a secure network. Continuous monitoring, maintenance, and on-site repair services are quintessential.

End of life or obsolete hardware:

As technology advances, some hardware becomes obsolete or reaches the end of its life. OEMs may no longer support these devices. But, aftermarket support providers can provide repair and replacement services. They help organizations upgrade their hardware to the latest technology.

Other specialized equipment:

Sound technical knowledge is required to maintain specialized equipment. This equipment includes Point of sale, medical, or industrial control systems. Aftermarket support providers can provide specialized expertise and support for these devices.

Pro Tips for Selecting and Working with Aftermarket Support Providers

When selecting and working with aftermarket support providers, there are a few pro tips to keep in mind:

Do your research:

Not all aftermarket support providers offer an equal level of service. It's important to research different providers beforehand. You must compare their services, prices, and reputation before deciding. Look for providers with a proven track record of providing high-quality services. Also, ask for their specialization in the hardware you need support with.

Look for customizable SLAs:

Service level agreements (SLAs) are agreements between an organization and a service provider. This document outlines the scope of work that will be provided. You should look for providers that offer customizable SLAs. This allows focusing on the hardware and services most critical to your operations.

Check for proactive monitoring and maintenance:

Aftermarket support providers can offer proactive monitoring and maintenance for the hardware. This can prevent downtime and keep the hardware running smoothly. Be sure to check if the provider offers this service.

Check for on-site repair services:

On-site repair services can benefit organizations with remote locations or limited IT staff. It eliminates the need to ship hardware back and forth for repairs. Thus, resulting in faster resolution times and less downtime.

Establish clear communication:

It's essential to establish clear communication with your aftermarket support provider. Be sure to develop a point of contact and set up regular check-ins to discuss any issues or concerns.

Check for certifications:

Look for providers with certifications from reputable organizations such as ISO or SOC2. These certifications state that the provider adheres to industry standards. Also, the provider has a certain level of quality and security.

Look for scalability:

As your organization grows, you may need to add or upgrade hardware. Look for providers that can help you scale your IT infrastructure as required. This will help you focus on growing your business without worrying about IT headaches.

Check for availability:

Consider the provider's availability, whether they offer support during business hours, 24/7, or only on certain days. This will help you ensure that you can get the support you need when you need it.

Check for response time:

Check the provider's response time. This can include the time they take to respond to an inquiry, dispatch a technician or complete a repair. This will help you ensure you get the support you need on time.

Check for warranty and contract terms:

Review the provider's warranty and contract terms to understand what is covered. This will help you avoid any surprises down the road.

By following these pro tips, you'll be able to select and work with a reliable aftermarket support provider. This will keep your IT infrastructure running smoothly and save money on support costs.

RapidCare® - The CXtec Advantage For Aftermarket Support Service

Managing multiple maintenance contracts for different OEM vendors for your storage, server, and networking equipment can be overwhelming. RapidCare®  simplifies this process by providing a one-stop shop for all your network hardware maintenance needs. Under one convenient contract, it covers all the brands you trust, including Cisco, HPE ProCurve, and Dell EMC. No need to keep track of multiple contracts and vendors. RapidCare makes it easy to get the customized support you need for your data center.

Here are a few critical benefits of RapidCare that make it stand out from the crowd:

Customizable SLAs:

Keeping track of maintenance agreements can be confusing and costly. With RapidCare, an aftermarket support service, it doesn't have to be. RapidCare simplifies the process by providing a cost-effective solution that reduces complexity and costs. Whether you're covering new or pre-owned equipment, using RapidCare's third-party maintenance services is a smart way to redefine your IT strategy and save money for other high-priority needs in your IT infrastructure. Our experts can help you re-evaluate your network needs and growth plans. They can also assist you in finding the correct technology migration path that aligns with your business objectives. So you can make informed decisions about the future of your IT infrastructure.

Scalability:

We can help you scale your IT infrastructure as your organization grows. We can help you identify the best hardware for your business growth needs. Also, we will ensure that it is properly installed and configured. So, no more IT headaches.

By choosing RapidCare, our aftermarket support service, customers get the following benefits:

  • Improved 24x7 hardware support
  • 60% reduction in IT costs
  • Longer hardware lifespan
  • Customizable SLAs and contracts
  • Brand-neutral on-site engineers
  • Hardware replacement

Contact our experts to learn more.

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