TPM a Cost Saving Alternative to Cisco SMARTnet

Cost Comparison: How Much Can You Save?

TPM:

Third Party Maintenance (TPM) providers like Extended Technical Solutions offer cost savings of 50% to 70% compared to Cisco SMARTnet. These savings come from streamlined support, no unnecessary service bundling, and support for older equipment without upgrade pressure. Businesses gain customizable SLAs, paying only for needed support, which helps avoid inflated costs on low-priority equipment and enables better resource allocation.

Cisco SMARTnet:

In contrast, Cisco SMARTnet's pricing structure can be prohibitive, particularly for smaller organizations or those with diverse IT environments. SMARTnet often bundles both software and hardware services into high-cost packages, even when clients only need hardware support. Moreover, Cisco tends to prioritize the sale of newer hardware and services, leading to escalating costs over time as businesses feel pressured to upgrade their systems.

Flexibility: Tailored vs Standardized

TPM:

TPM providers are champions of customization. For example, organizations can tailor their SLAs based on the criticality of their equipment—offering next-day service for less critical devices, while providing mission-critical coverage for high-priority assets. This level of flexibility extends to allowing multi-vendor contracts, enabling organizations to consolidate their support under a single agreement for equipment from various manufacturers, thereby simplifying management and reducing administrative overhead.

Cisco SMARTnet:

On the other hand, Cisco SMARTnet support is standardized, with predefined SLAs that offer limited room for modification according to specific organizational needs. While SMARTnet is effective for Cisco equipment, it lacks the integrated support required for multi-vendor environments, which can leave organizations with disparate support contracts and increased complexity in managing their IT infrastructure.

End-of-Life (EOL) Equipment: Keeping Older Hardware Operational

Third-Party Maintenance (TPM)

Extended Technical Solutions and other TPM providers excel in supporting EOL and End-of-Service-Life (EOSL) equipment. This specialized support allows organizations to keep older hardware operational without the pressure to upgrade. By prioritizing the longevity of existing IT infrastructure, TPM services provide a pragmatic approach for businesses looking to maximize their investment. Companies can maintain performance and functionality while avoiding the financial burden of premature upgrades.

Cisco SMARTnet

In contrast, Cisco’s support typically ends for EOL hardware, often compelling clients to transition to newer models. This approach can result in unnecessary costs for organizations that still have fully functioning legacy equipment. As a result, businesses may face a dilemma: invest in new hardware or maintain existing equipment without adequate support. This creates a need for alternative solutions that can ensure continuity without the hefty expense.

Software Updates: Where SMARTnet Has the Edge

Third-Party Maintenance (TPM)

While TPM providers offer invaluable support for older hardware, they generally do not provide access to Cisco’s proprietary software updates or patches. This limitation can be significant for organizations that prioritize staying current with security protocols and performance optimizations. However, TPMs remain a viable option for assisting with software configurations and addressing compatibility issues, ensuring that systems remain functional even in the absence of the latest updates.

Cisco SMARTnet

SMARTnet's main benefit is offering exclusive Cisco software updates, patches, and fixes. These updates are vital for organizations to ensure security and system performance. For businesses needing regular access to the latest software improvements, SMARTnet is essential. Keeping software up to date helps organizations reduce risks and fully utilize their Cisco systems.

Spare Parts: Certainty and Availability

TPM: Third-Party Maintenance (TPM) providers, such as Extended Technical Solutions, deliver certified spare parts with on-site installation that meet or exceed Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) standards. These parts are often available at a significantly lower cost. TPMs can also maintain dedicated spare part inventories for critical equipment, ensuring speedy replacements when necessary. This level of preparation aids in minimizing downtime and maintaining operational continuity.

Cisco SMARTnet: Cisco provides original parts through its SMARTnet program, but this service comes with a higher price tag. The availability of spare parts is closely tied to Cisco’s proprietary services, which may not be as budget-friendly for organizations. Additionally, reliance on SMARTnet can lead to longer wait times for parts compared to TPM providers that offer quicker access and deployment.

Multi-Vendor Support: Simplifying Complex Environments

TPM: TPM providers offer comprehensive support for equipment across multiple vendors, making them an ideal choice for businesses operating in diverse IT ecosystems. Extended Technical Solutions enhances this experience by consolidating contracts into a “One Contract / One Contact” program. This approach simplifies management and increases efficiency, allowing organizations to focus on their core operations instead of navigating multiple service agreements.

Cisco SMARTnet: In contrast, Cisco's SMARTnet program is limited to supporting only Cisco equipment. Organizations using products from various manufacturers must handle separate contracts for each vendor, which increases management complexity and administrative overhead. This fragmented approach can hinder operational efficiency and add layers of difficulty when troubleshooting or seeking support.

Customization: A Personalized Approach

TPM: One of the significant advantages of partnering with a TPM provider is the high level of customization available in their contracts. Businesses can tailor support levels, spare parts requirements, and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) based on distinct operational needs. This ability to personalize service ensures that organizations can optimize both service quality and overall costs, aligning the support structure with their specific operational goals.

Cisco SMARTnet: Conversely, Cisco SMARTnet offers a more rigid contract structure, which limits opportunities for customization. Organizations must adhere to Cisco's predefined service packages, which may not perfectly fit every organization's needs. This lack of flexibility can lead to gaps in service coverage or unwarranted expenditures, as businesses may end up paying for features that are not essential to them.

When to Choose TPM vs. Cisco SMARTnet

Choose TPM:

  • Cost Savings: If your organization prioritizes budget efficiency, TPM (Third Party Maintenance) can significantly reduce support costs compared to traditional OEM options.

  • Multi-Vendor Support: TPM is ideal for businesses managing a wide array of equipment from various manufacturers, providing centralized support without being tied to a single vendor.

  • EOL Equipment Coverage: For organizations dealing with end-of-life (EOL) equipment, TPM offers options to continue support and maintenance, allowing you to extend the lifespan of your assets.

  • Flexibility & Personalized Service: TPM allows for more customizable solutions tailored to your specific needs, making it suitable for businesses that require adaptable support in diverse IT environments.

Choose Cisco SMARTnet:

  • Software Updates: If your operations depend on the latest software features and security patches, Cisco SMARTnet ensures access to timely updates directly from the manufacturer.

  • Direct OEM Support: In scenarios where having direct OEM support is critical—especially for mission-critical equipment—SMARTnet provides you with the assurance of manufacturer-level assistance.

  • Specific Equipment or Workloads: For organizations using specialized Cisco hardware or running applications that rely heavily on Cisco infrastructure, SMARTnet can be the optimal choice for reliable support and service continuity.

Choose between TPM and Cisco SMARTnet based on your organization’s cost, support needs, and desire for direct OEM services. Extended Technical Solutions offers customizable support for your servers, storage, and networking. Our innovative solutions provide cost-effective options and the flexibility to meet your specific needs. With Extended Technical Solutions, you'll have a dedicated support team that integrates with your existing systems, improving efficiency and reliability without sacrificing service quality.