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Service & Warranty
What is the difference between a service warranty and a system warranty?
A system warranty is provided by the manufacturer and usually begins at the time the system is purchased. It extends for a stated period of time, for example 3-5 years. Under this contract, the manufacturer warrants their product to function properly under normal use or they will repair or replace at no charge. This is similar to automakers who include in their purchase price a 5 year or 50,000 mile warranty on the vehicle.
A service warranty is provided by a service organization that could be the system manufacturer or another independent service provider. A service organization will offer a service contract to the user and with a price dependent on the level of service you desire. The contract specifies what equipment you want covered, how quickly you want to have a technician at your facility to resolve a problem and how many coverage hours and days of the week service is required. Response time could be next day, within 2-4 hours, or immediate on-site. Time specified may be 9 x 5 or, 24 x 7 (24 hours per day-7 days a week). A few system manufactures may include a limited amount of time with no extra charge at time of system purchase. However, in most cases, server and workstation customers must arrange for a service agreement to cover beyond the initial "given" period at an extra cost.
If I add Dataram memory to my system, will I void the system warranty?
Absolutely not. In the same way that you may upgrade your server or workstation with a different vendor's hard drive, or use a different vendor's monitor, you may choose which memory vendor to use. You are not required to use the system manufacturer's components. For more information on this, see Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. For more information on IBM click here.
If I add Dataram memory to my system, will I void the service warranty?
Making any changes to your system configuration without notifying the service provider could technically affect your service contract. Unless you plan to service your Dataram memory yourself, you should consider adding it to your existing service contract.
IBM will provide service to replace Dataram memory which displays an approved IBM FRU label and are installed in Intel- and AMD-based systems covered by an IBM maintenance agreement or a purchased upgrade to an IBM machine warranty. Details can be found here.
How do I add my Dataram memory to my existing service contract?
In most cases this takes a single phone call to your service provider. You simply inform them you want to add additional hardware to your service contract, and what that hardware is--in this case memory. It's that simple.
What if my service provider refuses to add my Dataram memory to my service contract?
Sometimes the service provider forgets whom they work for. The system manufacturer may employ them but they work for YOU. Remind them you are the customer and that you are paying for that service contract. You may want to consider changing service providers to explore the available alternatives. If this is not practical, Dataram offers some alternatives.
What other alternatives do I have?
On-Site Spares - If a significant install base of systems requires a higher level of support, On-site Spares are available. This program allows you to eliminate any potential downtime. Ask your Dataram sales representative for more details.
Service Call Reimbursement - In the unlikely event of failure, and upon notifying Dataram customer Support, Dataram will reimburse the customer, or service provider for costs associated with the repair or failure to Dataram memory. Dataram will create a customized service program for you and your end user. you can benefit from the tremendous cost savings of Dataram memory while enjoying uninterrupted coverage from your current service provider. Ask your Dataram sales representative for more details.
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