BlogICT equipment
Equipment warranties and support contracts
By Kennedy Ougo, Senior ICT Consultant 1 min read
Understand what is covered, how fast help arrives and how to claim — and track expiry dates before they lapse.
A warranty only helps if you know what it covers and can use it when something fails.
What is covered
Parts only, or parts and labour? On-site service, or return to depot? Accidental damage is usually excluded unless explicitly included.
Response times
Standard warranties may take days. Critical equipment — servers, core switches, firewalls — may justify extended support with faster response or advance replacement.
How to claim
Record the manufacturer, serial number and support contact for each device. Know what information the support desk will ask for.
Firmware and software updates
For network and security equipment, access to firmware updates often depends on an active support contract.
Track expiry
Keep warranty and support expiry dates in the asset register and review them before they lapse, especially for critical systems.
Buy appropriately
Match the level of cover to the impact of the device failing.
See our ICT supply and managed IT services.
About the author
Kennedy Ougo
Senior ICT Consultant
Kennedy Ougo writes about ICT project delivery, equipment deployment and intelligent transport systems.