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Appliance Deployment Featured Article
August 08, 2011
What Should You Demand in an Appliance Deployment Partner?
By Susan J. Campbell, TMCnet Contributing Editor
Appliance deployment partners are highly important for OEMs or independent software vendors (ISVs), but how do you select the right one? It is critical that you can identify the services they need to offer in order to serve as a viable partner. Fortunately, NEI (News - Alert) has provided a few tips on how to improve the process.
This NEI blog is the fifth and final article in the company’s series on the 5-Point Lead System. This particular post focuses on the support and maintenance factor when selecting an appliance deployment partner.
Any appliance deployment partner worth considering should offer customizable plans. After all, customers vary in terms of their needs and wants when it comes to their desired level of warranty and support. A one-size-fits-all approach can hurt your ability to expand in the market and meet the needs of a broad base of customers.
Be sure to look for a strategic appliance deployment partner that can offer a variety of support plans and warranty options. This will not only ensure you can meet your internal needs, but also that you have the flexibility to meet the variety of needs within your client base.
Keep in mind that all providers in the appliance deployment space will offer a basic warranty for a set period of time. The standard practice is to pass along the original manufacturer’s warranty, extending coverage out for any components that will be integrated into the systems provided.
While these basics are important, you have specific needs that also need to be met outside of the standard approach. Demand an appliance deployment partner who can offer such options as stocking preconfigured systems that are ready to ship whenever a field unit malfunctions or is damaged; an extended warranty on all parts that includes two-way shipping; forward stocking capabilities on replacement parts; an on-site technician who can diagnose or install parts; and the on-site availability of a technician and replacement parts, 365 days a year.
Such options provided by an appliance deployment partner ensure you have access to the scalability and flexibility you need to be successful.
Demanding so much flexibility and added support from an appliance deployment partner may seem like a lot to ask, yet NEI meets those needs every day. The company offers a full range of service and support coverage for the parts and systems it designs and manufactures.
This approach to partnership is one more component of the company’s commitment to supporting its partners throughout the lifecycle of the product. NEI will listen to your needs and design a suitable, cost-effective program to leverage its global network infrastructure and deliver the most value to customers possible.
Susan J. Campbell is a contributing editor for TMCnet and has also written for eastbiz.com. To read more of Susan’s articles, please visit her columnist page.
Edited by Jamie Epstein
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