How IT Managers Are Cutting Costs with Third-Party Network Maintenance

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) support contracts—like Cisco SMARTnet—have long been the go-to for IT managers. But with rising costs and rigid terms, more businesses are rethinking their options.

Third-party maintenance (TPM) for network hardware is gaining traction as a cost-effective, flexible alternative that keeps infrastructure running smoothly without forcing unnecessary upgrades.

At Edgeium, we’ve seen companies cut maintenance costs by 50-60% while extending the life of their IT equipment. The best part? They receive the same level of service without the premium price tag.

The Hidden Costs of OEM Support

Many IT leaders assume that sticking with OEM maintenance is the safest choice. However, they often overlook the hidden costs that come with these contracts—costs that add up over time and eat into IT budgets. From overpriced renewal fees to forced hardware upgrades, OEMs structure their contracts to keep businesses locked into their ecosystem.

Why OEM Support Can Be a Budget Drain:

• Expensive Renewals 💰 – OEMs charge steep renewal fees, even for aging equipment.
• Unnecessary Hardware Refreshes 🔄 – OEMs push new gear before your current infrastructure needs replacing.
• One-Size-Fits-All Contracts 📑 – You’re paying for services you may never use instead of customizing coverage to your actual needs.

We worked with a company that was spending nearly $200,000 annually on Cisco SMARTnet. After switching to Edgeium’s CovrEDGE™ third-party maintenance, they cut that expense by over $100,000—without losing any critical support.

Why More IT Managers Are Choosing Third-Party Maintenance

With IT budgets tightening and infrastructure demands growing, more businesses are turning to Third-Party Maintenance (TPM) as a cost-effective, flexible alternative. TPM helps extend hardware lifespan, reduce unnecessary upgrades, and optimize resources—all without sacrificing reliability.

Key Benefits of TPM for Network Hardware:

• Lower Costs – TPM reduces maintenance expenses by up to 60%, freeing up IT budgets for more critical projects.
• Extended Hardware Lifespan – Instead of upgrading because an OEM says so, you keep using fully functional network hardware without unnecessary replacements.
• Customizable SLAs – With TPM, you get tailored support levels (including next-business-day parts replacement and 24/7 support) without overpaying.
• Reliable Replacement Parts – Instead of being forced to upgrade when a single part fails, TPM ensures access to tested, high-quality components—like the ones we provide through CovrEDGE™ third-party maintenance.

Common Concerns About TPM—And the Reality

Some IT professionals hesitate to move away from OEM support due to concerns about reliability. Let’s set the record straight.

❌ “Will my hardware still be supported?”
✅ Yes! TPM providers like Edgeium have certified network engineers and a full supply chain of replacement parts.

❌ “Will I still get fast service?”
✅ Absolutely. TPM offers the same (or better) response times as OEM support, with flexible SLA options.

❌ “Isn’t OEM support the safest option?”
✅ Not always. OEMs discontinue support for older hardware—even if it’s fully functional. TPM keeps your gear running longer, helping you avoid forced upgrades.

When Third-Party Maintenance Makes Sense

So, when is TPM the right choice for your IT infrastructure?

• Your equipment is EOS/EOL – OEMs may have stopped supporting your gear, but TPM ensures it keeps running reliably.
• You need to cut costs – TPM helps reallocate IT budgets toward growth initiatives instead of inflated maintenance fees.
• You want control over your upgrades – Instead of replacing hardware on the OEM’s timeline, TPM lets you decide when an upgrade is truly necessary.

Explore Edgeium’s CovrEDGE™ maintenance solutions to see how TPM can keep your network running at peak performance without breaking the budget.

Take Control of Your IT Maintenance Costs

Third-party maintenance isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about making smarter infrastructure decisions that put your IT team in control.

At Edgeium, we help businesses reduce maintenance expenses, extend hardware life, and avoid forced upgrades with CovrEDGE™ third-party maintenance.

💡 Want to see how much you could save? Contact us today for a free consultation and take control of your network maintenance strategy!