Think You Know IBM Maintenance? Think Again....

Think You Know IBM Maintenance? Think Again…

When people hear “IBM maintenance”, many assume it’s just basic break-fix support for IBM-branded hardware. But what if I told you that IBM Technology Lifecycle Services (TLS) goes way beyond that?

At Baby Blue IT, we’re proud to be an IBM TLS partner, and we’re on a mission to help businesses understand just how comprehensive and powerful IBM’s maintenance and support offerings really are, across both IBM and multivendor technology estates.

What Is IBM TLS, Really?

IBM TLS is not just maintenance. It’s a strategic support model for organisations that want to extend the life, performance, and security of their data centre infrastructure. It covers:

✅ IBM hardware and software

✅ Multivendor systems (Dell EMC, Cisco, HPE, NetApp, and more)

✅ Global locations with consistent service quality

✅ Legacy systems long past their OEM end-of-life

Let’s break down what that looks like in practice

🔹 Premium IBM TLS Support – White Glove, Not Grey Box

IBM offers Premium TLS Services for clients who expect more than the standard SLA. These services include:

• Enhanced SLAs and committed fix times
• Dedicated Technical Account Managers (TAMs)
• Firmware & microcode support, compatibility testing
• Secure media retention services
• Fully tailored support across servers, storage, and networking

This is ideal for businesses that rely on mission-critical infrastructure and can’t afford downtime.

🔹 Extended Support – Up to 8 Years Beyond EOS

Still running legacy IBM systems? You’re not alone. Many companies are “stuck” with older tech due to app dependencies or delayed digital transformation plans.

IBM TLS offers extended support for 3–8 years beyond the official end-of-service date. That means your Power Systems, mainframes, and storage arrays can continue to be fully supported, by the original manufacturer.

🔹 Security & Patching – It’s Not Just About Software

Many organisations patch their software regularly but forget about the underlying hardware infrastructure. IBM TLS can help by:

Assessing HMC, firmware, and microcode levels

• Advising on upgrade paths (in the correct order!)
• Strengthening your security stance against modern threats

With growing risks from cybercrime and foreign-state actors, this is no longer optional—it’s essential.

🔹 Multivendor Maintenance – One Contract, One Number, Total Coverage

Why juggle five support contracts when you can have one?

IBM TLS offers support for non-IBM equipment, including EOSL devices no longer maintained by the OEM. Benefits include:

• Consolidated support contracts
• One phone number, one helpdesk
• Enhanced SLAs
• Often more cost-effective than the OEM

It’s the perfect fit for businesses with a mixed IT estate looking to simplify support while maintaining quality and responsiveness.

🌍 Global Reach, Local Support

Need coverage across borders? IBM TLS is available in over 130 countries.

That means you can set up a single global agreement to support infrastructure in every region you operate in, saving time, reducing costs, and removing the complexity of country-specific deals.

🤝 Baby Blue IT – Helping You Get More From IBM TLS

At Baby Blue IT, our team is fully trained and certified in IBM TLS services. We help customers:

• Review existing IBM or multivendor maintenance agreements
• Reassess 3rd-party support and consider moving back to IBM for access to updates, patches, and firmware
• Stay compliant and secure with the right support in place

We offer a free 30-minute consultation to understand your environment and help you plan your next steps.

🧭 Final Thought

IBM TLS isn’t just for IBM gear. It’s not just for basic support. It’s a comprehensive lifecycle support solution for complex data centre environments.

Whether you’re running Power, x86, Dell, Cisco, NetApp, or anything in between, IBM TLS can help you reduce cost, simplify support, and extend the life of your IT estate.

🔗 Let’s talk. Book your free consultation with Baby Blue IT today. Email Will.Nicholls@babyblueitconsulting.com