Third-Party Maintenance works by providing expert hardware support for servers, storage, and networking equipment after OEM warranties expire. It extends hardware life, reduces costs, and ensures uptime through proactive monitoring, flexible SLAs, and rapid parts replacement. TPM is ideal for maintaining End-of-Life (EOL) and End-of-Service-Life (EOSL) systems.
What is Third-Party Maintenance (TPM)?
Quick Refresher on TPM Definition
Third-Party Maintenance (TPM) is hardware support provided by specialized companies after the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) ends its official support. TPM covers servers, storage systems, and networking equipment, ensuring critical infrastructure stays operational, secure, and cost-efficient—long past OEM “end-of-life” declarations.
🛠️ See how thomastech delivers expert TPM services
Why TPM is the Smart Alternative to OEM Support
- Massive Cost Savings: Typically 40-70% less than OEM support contracts.
- No Forced Hardware Refreshes: Extend the life of perfectly good equipment.
- Customizable SLAs: Support agreements tailored to your actual business needs, not the OEM’s sales agenda.
- Multi-Vendor Support: Manage all your hardware (Dell, HP, IBM, Hitachi, Cisco, etc.) under one contract.
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Ideal for EOL/EOSL Hardware Needing Reliable, Affordable Maintenance
When OEMs declare your hardware End-of-Life (EOL) or End-of-Service-Life (EOSL), they stop offering support. However, that hardware might still be mission-critical. TPM ensures:
- Continued reliability and performance
- Access to replacement parts and expert repairs
- Compliance with security and operational standards
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📚 Read more TPM insights and case studies
🆘 Contact thomastech for a custom TPM proposal
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Step 1: Asset Discovery & Assessment
Full Inventory Audit of Servers, Storage, and Network Gear
The first step in Third-Party Maintenance (TPM) is a detailed hardware audit. This involves cataloging all active equipment in your data center, including:
- Servers (Dell, HP, IBM, Hitachi)
- Storage systems (SAN, NAS, VSP, NetApp)
- Networking equipment (Cisco, Brocade, Juniper)
Every device's model, serial number, configuration, and current support status is documented.
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Identifying Coverage Gaps, EOL Risks, and Support Needs
After the inventory is complete, thomastech identifies:
- Unsupported devices no longer covered by OEM
- EOL/EOSL risks where OEM support is ending soon
- Critical systems requiring high-priority maintenance
- Opportunities to consolidate support for multi-vendor environments
This step ensures nothing falls through the cracks.
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Creating a Comprehensive Asset Database
The collected data is organized into a comprehensive asset database, serving as the foundation for:
- Custom Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
- Proactive maintenance schedules
- Parts planning and stocking strategies
This database allows thomastech to deliver faster support, reduce downtime, and extend hardware life.
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📚 Read more about TPM asset management strategies
🆘 Contact thomastech to start your asset assessment
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Step 2: Customized Service Level Agreements (SLAs)
Defining Response Times, Coverage Hours, and Critical Systems
Customized SLAs begin by defining:
- Response Times: Options like 4-hour on-site response, next-business-day support, or remote troubleshooting.
- Coverage Hours: 24/7/365 support, business hours only, or hybrid models.
- Critical Systems Prioritization: Identifying which servers, storage, and network devices require high-priority support.
Every SLA is aligned with your operational needs, not a generic OEM standard.
🕒 See how thomastech builds custom support agreements
Flexible SLAs Tailored to Business Priorities
thomastech understands that not every device requires the same level of urgency. SLAs are tailored to:
- Critical production systems needing immediate attention.
- Non-critical assets that can operate with slower response times.
- Budget optimization by allocating resources where they matter most.
This flexibility ensures maximum uptime while managing costs effectively.
⚙️ Learn more about thomastech’s tailored SLA options
Transparent Contracts with No Hidden Fees
Unlike OEM contracts filled with fine print, thomastech provides:
- Clear, upfront pricing with no surprise charges.
- Simple, readable contracts that specify exactly what’s covered.
- Performance guarantees aligned with your expectations.
Transparency builds trust and eliminates budget guesswork.
📑 Explore thomastech’s straightforward service agreements
📚 Read more TPM contract best practices
🆘 Contact thomastech to customize your SLA
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Step 3: Onboarding & Transition Process
Seamless Handover from OEM or Expired Support
thomastech ensures a smooth transition from OEM contracts or expired support agreements. The process involves:
- Reviewing existing support documentation.
- Mapping active and EOL/EOSL assets.
- Coordinating a handoff to maintain uninterrupted coverage.
No disruption. No gaps. Your operations stay protected.
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Setting Up Service Portals and Communication Channels
Efficient support starts with clear communication. thomastech sets up:
- Dedicated customer portals for ticket tracking and service requests.
- Direct access to Level 3+ engineers, bypassing outsourced call centers.
- Defined escalation paths to resolve critical issues fast.
You’ll always know who to contact and how.
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Immediate Coverage Begins Upon Onboarding Completion
Once onboarding is finalized:
- Your hardware is fully covered under thomastech’s TPM agreement.
- Support SLAs activate immediately—no coverage lapses.
- Proactive maintenance schedules and parts readiness plans are launched.
Your team gains peace of mind knowing expert support is live from day one.
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🆘 Contact thomastech to start your onboarding process
📚 Read more TPM onboarding insights
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Step 4: Ongoing Support & Maintenance
Proactive Monitoring and Preventive Maintenance
thomastech delivers continuous monitoring to catch hardware issues before they escalate. This includes:
- Health checks on servers, storage, and networking equipment.
- Early detection of performance degradation.
- Scheduled preventive maintenance to minimize unplanned outages.
Proactivity keeps your infrastructure stable and secure.
🖥️ Learn how thomastech’s proactive support keeps you online
Rapid Parts Dispatch and Global Support Reach
When hardware fails, speed matters. thomastech ensures:
- 4-hour dispatch options for critical components.
- Global inventory depots to support multiple locations.
- Streamlined logistics for quick part replacements.
No waiting on slow OEM channels. thomastech moves fast.
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Direct Access to Level 3+ Engineers—No Outsourced Call Centers
Support calls go directly to experienced Level 3+ engineers who:
- Understand your specific hardware environment.
- Provide hands-on troubleshooting and solutions.
- Eliminate the frustration of being bounced around low-level support tiers.
It’s real expertise, on-demand, without the usual OEM runaround.
🆘 Contact thomastech for expert support
📚 Read more TPM support best practices
🌐 Visit thomastech to see how ongoing maintenance works
🏢 Learn more about thomastech’s customer-first approach
Step 5: Continuous Optimization & Support
Regular Reviews of Service Performance and Hardware Health
thomastech conducts ongoing reviews to ensure your support stays effective. This includes:
- Analyzing response times and resolution metrics.
- Tracking hardware performance and failure trends.
- Providing recommendations for proactive improvements.
Continuous feedback keeps your systems running at peak efficiency.
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Updating SLAs as Business Needs Evolve
Your IT environment isn’t static—your support shouldn’t be either. thomastech offers:
- Regular SLA evaluations to align with new priorities.
- Adjustments to response times and coverage levels as needed.
- Flexibility to scale support up or down with your growth.
This ensures your maintenance plan always fits your operational demands.
⚙️ Learn how thomastech customizes SLAs for dynamic businesses
Extending Hardware Lifecycle While Reducing TCO
Through expert maintenance and proactive strategies, thomastech:
- Extends the usable life of servers, storage, and network devices.
- Defers costly hardware refreshes, reducing capital expenditures.
- Delivers long-term savings with a lower total cost of ownership (TCO).
This is how you get more value from your existing infrastructure.
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🆘 Contact thomastech to optimize your maintenance strategy
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Why Choose thomastech for TPM?
Proven Track Record with Enterprise-Grade Uptime
thomastech has a history of delivering exceptional uptime and reliability for critical data center environments. Through proactive support, rapid response times, and expert problem-solving, thomastech keeps your infrastructure running when it matters most.
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Expertise Across Multiple Hardware Brands
thomastech specializes in supporting a diverse range of OEM hardware, including:
- Dell, HP, IBM, Hitachi servers
- NetApp, Dell EMC, Hitachi storage
- Cisco, Brocade, Juniper networking equipment
One provider, complete coverage—simplifying your vendor management.
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Significant Cost Savings and Unmatched Flexibility
With thomastech, companies typically save 40-70% on maintenance costs compared to OEM contracts. Flexible Service Level Agreements (SLAs) are crafted to meet your specific operational needs, giving you control over both performance and budget.
💡 See how thomastech delivers custom-tailored TPM solutions
Next Steps
- 🆘 Request a custom TPM proposal today
- 📚 Read more TPM insights, guides, and best practices
- 🌐 Visit thomastech for more information
- 🏢 Learn about thomastech’s customer-focused approach
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