Manufacturer vs. Third-Party Maintenance Contracts: Which Is Right for You?

Third-party maintenance (TPM) contracts offer flexible, cost-effective alternatives to OEM support like Cisco SmartNet. With local Australian service, extended EOL coverage, and up to 50% cost savings, XS Network Tech makes network maintenance smarter and more affordable.

Manufacturer vs. Third-Party Maintenance Contracts

Maintaining your network infrastructure isn’t just about keeping the lights on, it’s about ensuring reliability, uptime, and cost efficiency. Many organisations automatically choose manufacturer support contracts, such as Cisco SmartNet, without exploring alternative options.

At XS Network Tech, we help Australian businesses discover smarter, more flexible maintenance solutions. Third-party maintenance (TPM) contracts deliver the same high-quality support, faster response times, and up to 50% cost savings — all backed by local expertise.

In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between manufacturer and third-party maintenance, helping you decide which option offers the best value, flexibility, and longevity for your network.

Understanding Manufacturer Support Contracts

Manufacturer extended support contracts, such as Cisco SmartNet, give businesses direct access to the vendor’s helpdesk, software updates, and hardware replacement. While this can be beneficial, these plans often come with limitations:

• Higher Costs: OEM contracts carry a brand premium.
• Limited EOL Support: Once devices are declared End-of-Life (EOL), support often ends.
• Global Response Times: Support is typically managed through offshore centres, leading to slower turnaround for Australian businesses.

While OEM contracts ensure direct vendor access, they’re not always the most efficient or cost-effective solution.

Why Consider Third-Party Maintenance (TPM)?

Third-party maintenance providers, like XS Network Tech, deliver flexible, localised, and cost-efficient alternatives to OEM support.

Here’s why TPM often makes more sense for growing businesses and enterprise networks:

1. Local Australian-Based Service Desk

With XS Network Tech, you get access to a local support team that understands your time zone, language, and business needs.
No overseas delays, just faster, more personalised assistance to keep your network online and performing at its best.

2. Support for All Devices, Including EOL Hardware

One of the key benefits of TPM is continued support for End-of-Life (EOL) equipment.
While OEMs like Cisco and Juniper often discontinue service, XS Network Tech provides extended maintenance and replacement for older devices, helping you:

• Extend your hardware’s lifecycle
• Delay expensive upgrades
• Reduce e-waste and environmental impact

3. Significant Cost Savings

OEM contracts can quickly add up.
Third-party maintenance eliminates unnecessary brand premiums, saving you up to 50% or more compared to manufacturer contracts.
These savings can be redirected toward network expansion, cybersecurity, or new infrastructure investments.

4. Flexible, Customised Support Plans

Unlike one-size-fits-all OEM contracts, XS Network Tech offers tailored maintenance options.
Choose from:

• 24/7 on-site or remote support
• Hardware replacement or repair-only plans
• Flexible service-level agreements (SLAs)

Our support adapts to your network, not the other way around.

5. Vendor-Agnostic Expertise

Modern networks are multi-vendor environments.
Our maintenance covers a wide range of brands, including Cisco, Juniper, Arista, Aruba, and Dell, consolidating your entire infrastructure under one support contract.
That means fewer vendors, fewer invoices, and faster resolutions.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Business

OEM support like Cisco SmartNet can be valuable, but for most businesses, third-party maintenance offers greater value, flexibility, and longevity.
When you choose XS Network Tech, you gain a partner that understands both your technology and your local business environment.

We keep your network running smoothly, whether you’re maintaining legacy devices or supporting a hybrid infrastructure.

Conclusion: The Smart Choice for Network Maintenance

At XS Network Tech, we deliver reliable, cost-effective maintenance for enterprise networks across Australia.
Our third-party maintenance contracts provide comprehensive coverage for both active and EOL hardware, backed by local expertise and flexible service levels.

→ Explore Third-Party Maintenance Options
and discover how to save costs, reduce downtime, and extend your hardware lifecycle.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is the difference between OEM and third-party maintenance?

OEM support is provided by the manufacturer (e.g., Cisco SmartNet).
Third-party maintenance, like XS Network Tech’s, offers the same coverage, often at a fraction of the cost, with local Australian service.

Q2: Can I still get support for EOL hardware?

Yes. XS Network Tech continues to support devices long after OEMs discontinue them, extending your equipment’s life and value.

Q3: Is third-party maintenance as reliable as OEM support?

Absolutely. Our TPM services include certified engineers, fast response times, and guaranteed SLAs for mission-critical systems.

Q4: Which brands do you support?

We maintain equipment from Cisco, Aruba, Juniper, Arista, Dell, and more, offering a true multi-vendor support solution.