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Most health systems pay for support and/or maintenance on hardware and software on an annual or multi-year basis. This includes clinical and financial software applications and desktop and network equipment, as well as data center hardware and software. Usually, support is manufacturer-provided and purchased either directly or through a Value Added Reseller (VAR). Third Party Maintenance (TPM) - Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)-authorized/OEM-independent maintenance – is increasingly common in the hardware and software support market, with a thriving ecosystem of independent support providers for specific software, server, storage and networking equipment. IT organizations selectively use TPM providers to cost-effectively extend IT asset life and control OEM-forced upgrades. TPM, also known as aftermarket hardware and/or software support or post-warranty support, is popular when equipment warranty or service agreements end. TPM can be a cost-effective alternative to OEM support. TPM can offer multiple benefits: Cost: TPM providers are typcially significantly less expensive than the OEM Flexibility: TPM can be more flexible than OEM support. Responsiveness: TPM can often be more responsive to issues than OEM support. Communication: TPM providers are directly linked to OEM Level 3 support. Expertise: TPM providers offer broad expertise in hardware/software brands and manufacturers. Remote monitoring: TPM can provide remote monitoring to help identify potential network issues that could expose company data to cyber threats. TPM services can include: Software support including security patching Hardware support to include Replacement or repair of hardware On-site engineering assistance Remote monitoring Operating support Data backup CASE STUDIES A Southwest children’s hospital was renewing hardware support on its data storage equipment. After thorough evaluation of its requirements, they decided to identify and solicit bids for 3rd party support for one year. One requirement was that the selected vendor had certified engineers and replacement hardware, if needed. Additionally, the vendor needed to have the ability to integrate into the hospital’s trouble ticket system. With Optisave’s guidance, an appropriate 3rd party vendor was selected, and at a 60% lower cost than OEM support. The Microsoft Unified Support agreement was coming up for renewal at large Mid-Atlantic health system. Renewal cost was far greater than the health system had budgeted so they were willing to look outside Microsoft for support. Several qualified vendors were identified and an RFI was issued. Ultimately the health system worked with Optisave experts to select a vendor that not only had a significant amount of experience with health systems, but was also more than half the cost of what Microsoft was going to charge for the renewal. Optisave works with healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and other complex organizations to determine whether Third Party Maintenance is right for them and select the ideal provider. Contact us today to start a conversation.

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