Introducing True Blue Hybrid Maintenance

For over 30 years, I’ve seen countless customers switch to Third-Party Maintenance (TPM) the moment their manufacturer maintenance ends. On the surface, this makes perfect sense—it offers cost savings, service consistency (especially if other hardware is already under TPM), and, historically, came with reasonable software support options.

However, the landscape has changed.

The Hidden Risks of Third-Party Maintenance

In recent years, IBM has tightened access to critical updates, making them available only to customers with an active manufacturer maintenance contract. Unfortunately, this crucial detail is often overlooked when businesses evaluate their support options.

Without these updates, companies face significant risks:

• Increased hardware failures due to outdated firmware and microcode
• Unpatched security vulnerabilities, leaving systems exposed
• Compliance breaches that could put regulatory standing at risk
• Potential invalidation of cyber security insurance

The key takeaway? Timing is everything. Moving to TPM too soon — before IBM stops releasing updates — could expose your business to unnecessary risk. But how do you know when the time is right?

Introducing True Blue Hybrid Maintenance by Baby Blue

At Baby Blue, we believe in transparent, risk-free maintenance planning. Our new True Blue Hybrid Maintenance service is designed to provide the best of both worlds — ensuring you get essential IBM updates when needed while still benefiting from TPM cost savings where possible.

How It Works

We assess your IBM hardware inventory and provide a tailored maintenance strategy:
✅ Identifying hardware that still requires IBM updates
✅ Recommending when TPM is a safe and cost-effective option
✅ Helping you catch up on outdated microcode and firmware to eliminate security risks

Best of all, we do this at the same cost you would typically pay for third-party maintenance alone.

True Blue Support – What You Get

For IBM-Supported Hardware

🔹 Full IBM manufacturer support, including OS and hardware updates
🔹 Planning and assistance to bring hardware up to recommended patch levels
🔹 No "after-lapse" fees to rejoin IBM maintenance
🔹 Fixed-price protection for up to 5 years

For Older IBM Hardware

🔹 Best-in-class Third-Party Maintenance for IBM hardware
🔹 Expert telephone support for legacy IBM software
🔹 All the commercial benefits of TPM with fixed pricing for up to 5 years

With True Blue Hybrid Maintenance, you no longer have to choose between cost savings and security — you get both.

Let’s have a conversation about how to future-proof your IBM estate while keeping costs under control. Contact Baby Blue today.