Third-Party Hardware Maintenance Service for Data Center and Network Market, Global Outlook and Forecast 2025-2032

MARKET INSIGHTS

Global Third-Party Hardware Maintenance Service for Data Center and Network market size was valued at USD 2,021 million in 2024. The market is projected to grow from USD 2,250 million in 2025 to USD 3,690 million by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 9.2% during the forecast period.

Third-party maintenance (TPM) refers to outsourced hardware support services for critical data center and network infrastructure, including servers, storage systems, and networking equipment. These services provide an alternative to traditional OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) maintenance contracts, offering specialized technical support, spare parts provisioning, and lifecycle management solutions.

The market is experiencing significant growth driven by the increasing adoption of cost-effective maintenance solutions across enterprises. According to industry analysis, TPM services can reduce maintenance costs by 30-70% compared to OEM support contracts. Furthermore, the ability to extend equipment lifespan beyond OEM end-of-service dates is particularly valuable for organizations managing legacy systems. The market includes specialized service segments such as storage maintenance (32% market share in 2024), server maintenance (41%), and network maintenance (22%), with leading providers like Park Place Technologies and Curvature offering comprehensive support portfolios.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Cost Efficiency and Budget Optimization Fueling Market Expansion

The global third-party hardware maintenance service market is witnessing robust growth driven primarily by significant cost savings compared to OEM maintenance contracts. Organizations can reduce maintenance costs by 30-60% by opting for third-party services while maintaining equivalent service levels. This financial advantage is particularly crucial for SMEs and large enterprises alike facing budget constraints. Unlike OEM contracts that bundle unnecessary services, third-party providers offer customizable pay-as-you-go models, allowing businesses to pay only for required support levels. The ongoing economic pressures and focus on operational efficiency continue to push more enterprises toward these cost-effective alternatives.

Equipment Lifecycle Extension Creating Sustained Demand

With the average data center hardware refresh cycle extending beyond 5 years, organizations are increasingly leveraging third-party maintenance to maximize return on existing infrastructure investments. These services enable continued operation of equipment well beyond OEMs' end-of-service-life dates, with specialized providers maintaining inventory for legacy systems that manufacturers no longer support. The growing trend of hardware asset optimization aligns perfectly with sustainability initiatives, as extended equipment lifespans reduce electronic waste. Recent industry movements show 72% of enterprises now consider third-party maintenance when planning hardware refresh cycles, demonstrating shifting perceptions about post-warranty support options.

Hybrid IT Environments Driving Service Innovation

The proliferation of hybrid infrastructure combining cloud, colocation, and on-premises systems has created new complexity in maintenance requirements. Third-party providers are responding with innovative multi-vendor support models that simplify management across these heterogeneous environments. Unlike OEMs limited to supporting their own branded equipment, independent maintenance firms can provide consolidated support for mixed infrastructure. This capability is becoming increasingly valuable as 68% of enterprises now operate in hybrid environments. The ability to maintain older on-premises equipment while transitioning to cloud demonstrates the strategic flexibility third-party services offer during digital transformation initiatives.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

OEM Restrictions and Certification Barriers Limiting Adoption

Despite growing demand, the market faces notable restraints including OEM-imposed limitations on third-party maintenance. Some manufacturers employ firmware locks, proprietary diagnostic tools, and restricted access to replacement parts to discourage alternatives to their services. These tactics create technical barriers that can deter potential customers concerned about compatibility issues. Additionally, certification requirements for maintenance technicians continue to evolve, with OEMs frequently updating their accreditation programs. The resulting certification gap leaves some third-party providers struggling to maintain current credentials across all major hardware platforms, potentially impacting service quality perceptions.

Risk Perceptions in Mission-Critical Environments

For organizations with high-availability requirements, concerns about third-party service reliability remain a significant adoption barrier. While statistics show equivalent or better SLA compliance compared to OEMs, the perception persists that manufacturer-direct support offers superior protection for critical infrastructure. This is particularly evident in financial services and healthcare verticals where downtime costs can exceed $500,000 per hour. The lack of transparency in some third-party providers' escalation procedures and spare parts availability further exacerbates these concerns. Until independent firms can conclusively demonstrate superior reliability metrics across diverse use cases, this restraint will continue limiting market potential in certain segments.

Contractual Complexities in Multi-Vendor Environments

While third-party maintenance excels at supporting mixed infrastructure, the contractual landscape presents its own challenges. Coordinating support across numerous equipment types and manufacturers requires sophisticated service level agreements that clearly define response times, parts availability, and escalation paths. Some providers struggle to maintain consistent SLAs when supporting diverse hardware, leading to customer dissatisfaction. Additionally, the legal complexities of maintaining equipment still under OEM warranty create ambiguity about support boundaries. These contractual nuances require careful navigation and often necessitate customized solutions that can increase administrative overhead for both providers and customers.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Emerging Markets Present Untapped Growth Potential

The accelerated digital transformation in developing economies creates substantial opportunities for market expansion. Countries across Asia-Pacific and Latin America are investing heavily in data center infrastructure but often lack extensive OEM service networks. Third-party providers can fill this gap by offering localized support at competitive prices. The modular nature of these services allows for flexible market entry strategies, from partnerships with local IT providers to establishing regional support hubs. With colocation markets in these regions growing at 15-20% annually, the adjacent maintenance service opportunity is significant and largely underserved by current providers.

Advanced Analytics Revolutionizing Predictive Maintenance

Incorporating AI-driven predictive maintenance capabilities represents a high-growth opportunity for innovative providers. By leveraging equipment telemetry and historical failure data, third-party services can transition from break-fix models to proactive maintenance approaches. This evolution allows for 30-50% reductions in unplanned downtime while optimizing spare parts inventory. Early adopters combining IoT sensors with machine learning algorithms are achieving notable improvements in mean-time-to-repair metrics. As enterprises increasingly prioritize operational predictability, providers offering these advanced capabilities can command premium pricing and deepen customer relationships through value-added services.

Specialized Services for Hybrid Cloud Infrastructure

The rapid adoption of edge computing architectures creates new service opportunities at the intersection of hardware maintenance and cloud management. Third-party providers can differentiate by offering integrated support for distributed edge devices alongside traditional data center equipment. This includes specialized services like remote monitoring for geographically dispersed infrastructure and coordinated maintenance with cloud service providers. As enterprises deploy more infrastructure outside centralized data centers, providers capable of bridging physical maintenance with digital operations management will capture significant market share in this evolving segment.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Skills Gap in Legacy System Expertise

The industry faces a growing talent shortage for technicians skilled in maintaining older hardware platforms. As OEMs shift focus to newer technologies, the pool of certified professionals for legacy systems continues to shrink. Third-party providers must invest heavily in training programs to develop in-house expertise while competing with other IT sectors for qualified personnel. This challenge is particularly acute for specialized equipment like high-performance computing systems or outdated storage arrays where documentation may be scarce. Without adequate technical resources, providers risk compromising service quality and SLAs for customers operating older infrastructure.

Supply Chain Disruptions Impacting Spare Parts Availability

Global supply chain volatility continues to challenge maintenance providers' ability to maintain adequate spare parts inventories. Semiconductor shortages and logistical bottlenecks have extended lead times for replacement components, particularly for discontinued equipment. While some providers have established component refurbishment programs, these cannot fully compensate for shortages of certain proprietary parts. The situation forces difficult trade-offs between inventory carrying costs and service responsiveness. Providers lacking robust supplier networks risk losing customers when critical parts become unavailable, highlighting the importance of diversified sourcing strategies in today's uncertain supply environment.

Regulatory Uncertainty in Data-Sensitive Industries

Increasing data sovereignty regulations present unique challenges for maintenance providers operating across borders. Industries like healthcare and finance face strict requirements about who can access systems containing sensitive information. Third-party technicians often require special clearances and background checks that vary significantly by jurisdiction. The administrative burden of compliance can slow response times and increase service costs. Additionally, some regulations mandate specific security protocols for equipment maintenance that may conflict with standard service procedures. Providers must navigate this complex regulatory landscape carefully to avoid violations while maintaining operational efficiency.

Segment Analysis:

By Type

Server Maintenance Segment Leads Due to Critical Infrastructure Demand and Cost Optimization Needs

The market is segmented based on type into:

• Storage Maintenance

  • Subtypes: SAN, NAS, DAS, and others

• Server Maintenance

  • Subtypes: Rack servers, Blade servers, and Modular servers

• Network Maintenance

  • Subtypes: Switches, Routers, and Firewalls

• Others

By Application

Large Enterprises Dominate the Market Due to Extensive IT Infrastructure Needs

The market is segmented based on application into:

• SMEs

• Large Enterprises

By Service Model

Managed Services Gaining Traction Due to Demand for Proactive Maintenance

The market is segmented based on service model into:

• Break-fix Services

• Managed Services

• On-demand Services

By End-User Industry

IT & Telecom Sector Accounts for Significant Market Share

The market is segmented based on end-user industry into:

• BFSI

• IT & Telecom

• Healthcare

• Government

• Others

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Cost-Effective Maintenance Solutions Drive Market Competition

The global third-party hardware maintenance service market for data centers and networks is characterized by intense competition, with both established players and emerging providers vying for market share. The market structure is semi-fragmented, featuring a mix of large multinational service providers and specialized regional operators. This competitive environment has been further intensified by the growing enterprise demand for cost-efficient alternatives to OEM maintenance contracts.

Park Place Technologies and Curvature currently dominate the market landscape, collectively holding approximately 25% of the global market share in 2024. Their leadership position stems from comprehensive service offerings that include multi-vendor hardware support, 24/7 monitoring, and proactive maintenance solutions. Park Place Technologies has particularly strengthened its market position through strategic acquisitions, including the purchase of Riverstone Technology in 2022.

Meanwhile, Evernex and Service Express are experiencing rapid growth, especially in European and Asia-Pacific markets. These companies have differentiated themselves through specialized expertise in legacy system support and faster response times compared to OEM providers. Evernex's recent partnership with HPE to provide third-party maintenance for end-of-life equipment demonstrates the blurring lines between OEM and third-party maintenance ecosystems.

The competitive dynamics are further influenced by regional specialists like Procurri in Asia and CentricsIT in North America. These players are gaining traction by offering localized support services and flexible contract terms tailored to SME requirements. Industry analysts note that smaller, agile providers are capturing niche segments by specializing in specific hardware types or vertical markets.

List of Key Third-Party Maintenance Service Providers

• Park Place Technologies (U.S.)

• Curvature (U.S.)

• Evernex (France)

• Service Express (U.S.)

• CentricsIT (U.S.)

• CXtec (U.S.)

• Reliant Technology (U.S.)

• Procurri (Singapore)

• SBA Technologies (U.S.)

• Atlantix Global Systems (U.S.)

• Maintech (U.S.)

• XS International (U.S.)

THIRD-PARTY HARDWARE MAINTENANCE SERVICE FOR DATA CENTER AND NETWORK MARKET TRENDS

Cost Optimization and Extended Equipment Lifecycle Drive Market Expansion

The increasing demand for cost-effective IT infrastructure management solutions is a pivotal driver for third-party hardware maintenance services in data centers and networks. Organizations are increasingly shifting from Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) support to third-party providers, with cost savings averaging 30-60% compared to traditional maintenance contracts. This trend is particularly pronounced among enterprises operating legacy systems that require extended support beyond OEM end-of-life (EOL) cycles. The ability to maximize ROI on existing hardware investments while maintaining performance standards is creating sustained demand for third-party maintenance solutions. Furthermore, as companies face tightening IT budgets, the flexibility of service-level agreements (SLAs) offered by third-party providers is becoming a critical factor in procurement decisions.

Other Trends

Hybrid Infrastructure Demands

The rapid adoption of hybrid IT environments combining cloud and on-premises infrastructure is creating new opportunities for third-party maintenance providers. Enterprises require specialized support models that bridge disparate systems while maintaining interoperability. Recent data indicates that 68% of organizations now operate hybrid infrastructures, necessitating maintenance services that can span both legacy hardware and newer technologies. Third-party providers are responding with customized support packages that include multi-vendor troubleshooting, performance optimization, and proactive maintenance alerts through advanced monitoring tools.

Regional Market Diversification and Service Innovation

The Asia-Pacific region is emerging as the fastest-growing market for third-party data center maintenance, projected to grow at 11.3% CAGR through 2032, driven by expanding digital infrastructure in India and Southeast Asia. Providers are developing localized service centers with native-language support teams to capture this growth. Concurrently, maintenance firms are investing in predictive analytics capabilities using AI-driven failure prediction models, which reduce unplanned downtime by up to 40% compared to reactive maintenance approaches. These technological advancements are enabling service providers to offer performance guarantees that rival OEM support at significantly lower price points, thereby accelerating market adoption across cost-sensitive verticals.

Regional Analysis: Third-Party Hardware Maintenance Service for Data Center and Network Market

North America
The North American market for third-party hardware maintenance services is driven by the region's mature IT infrastructure and cost-conscious enterprises seeking alternatives to OEM support. The U.S. accounts for over 75% of regional demand, with enterprises prioritizing cost-efficient solutions to maintain aging data center equipment. A recent shift toward hybrid cloud environments has further accelerated demand for flexible maintenance contracts covering multi-vendor environments. While stringent service-level agreements (SLAs) are standard, providers like Park Place Technologies and Curvature dominate with rapid response times and certified technicians. The Canadian market is smaller but growing steadily due to increasing investments in digital transformation initiatives.

Europe
Europe's market is characterized by strict GDPR compliance requirements and a strong emphasis on data sovereignty, compelling enterprises to opt for localized third-party maintenance providers. Germany and the U.K. lead adoption, leveraging TPM services to extend the lifecycle of legacy infrastructure while adhering to sustainability goals. The EU's circular economy action plan has indirectly boosted demand for hardware reuse, creating opportunities for maintenance providers offering refurbished parts. However, competition from OEMs remains intense in markets like France, where brand loyalty persists. Providers such as Evernex and Maintech have strengthened their presence through acquisitions, targeting mid-market enterprises with customized support packages.

Asia-Pacific
As the fastest-growing region, APAC benefits from rapid data center expansion and frugal IT spending habits. China and India represent nearly 60% of regional demand, with hyperscalers and SMEs alike opting for third-party services to reduce capital expenditure. Price sensitivity dominates purchasing decisions, but quality concerns persist—especially around counterfeit components. Markets like Japan and Australia exhibit higher service standards, with providers like Procurri gaining traction through certified multi-vendor support. The lack of standardized regulations across Southeast Asia creates fragmentation, though emerging hubs like Singapore and Malaysia show promise due to increasing cloud adoption.

South America
Economic instability and currency volatility in countries like Brazil and Argentina have made third-party maintenance an attractive option for enterprises seeking to optimize IT budgets. However, limited local provider networks and reliance on imported spare parts result in longer downtime risks. Brazil remains the largest market, where sectors like banking and telecom drive demand despite political uncertainties. Chile and Colombia are emerging as growth markets, with regional players like Neeco expanding service coverage. The absence of strong OEM competition below Tier-1 cities presents untapped potential for agile TPM providers.

Middle East & Africa
The MEA region shows uneven growth, with GCC nations (particularly UAE and Saudi Arabia) leading adoption due to heavy investments in smart city projects and data localization laws. South Africa follows as a secondary market, though power reliability issues complicate service delivery. Local providers struggle with logistics across vast territories, while international players face hurdles adapting to fragmented regulatory frameworks. The lack of skilled technicians remains a bottleneck, forcing providers to rely on fly-in teams. Despite these challenges, the market is projected to grow at 11% CAGR through 2030 as digital transformation accelerates across oil-dependent economies diversifying their infrastructure.

Report Scope

This market research report offers a holistic overview of global and regional markets for the forecast period 2025–2032. It presents accurate and actionable insights based on a blend of primary and secondary research.

Key Coverage Areas:

• ✅ Market Overview

  • Global and regional market size (historical & forecast)

  • Growth trends and value/volume projections

• ✅ Segmentation Analysis

  • By product type or category

  • By application or usage area

  • By end-user industry

  • By distribution channel (if applicable)

• ✅ Regional Insights

  • North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa

  • Country-level data for key markets

• ✅ Competitive Landscape

  • Company profiles and market share analysis

  • Key strategies: M&A, partnerships, expansions

  • Product portfolio and pricing strategies

• ✅ Technology & Innovation

  • Emerging technologies and R&D trends

  • Automation, digitalization, sustainability initiatives

  • Impact of AI, IoT, or other disruptors (where applicable)

• ✅ Market Dynamics

  • Key drivers supporting market growth

  • Restraints and potential risk factors

  • Supply chain trends and challenges

• ✅ Opportunities & Recommendations

  • High-growth segments

  • Investment hotspots

  • Strategic suggestions for stakeholders

• ✅ Stakeholder Insights

  • Target audience includes manufacturers, suppliers, distributors, investors, regulators, and policymakers

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is the current market size of Global Third-Party Hardware Maintenance Service for Data Center and Network Market?

-> The Global Third-Party Hardware Maintenance Service for Data Center and Network market was valued at USD 2,021 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 3,690 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 9.2% during the forecast period.

Which key companies operate in Global Third-Party Hardware Maintenance Service for Data Center and Network Market?

-> Key players include Park Place, Cxtec, Reliant, Evernex, Service Express, OSI Hardware, SBA, Atlantix, CentricsIT, Curvature, and Hive Data Center, among others.

What are the key growth drivers?

-> Key growth drivers include cost savings compared to OEM contracts, demand for extended hardware lifecycle support, increasing data center investments, and the rise of hybrid IT environments.

Which region dominates the market?

-> North America currently holds the largest market share, while Asia-Pacific is expected to witness the fastest growth due to expanding data center infrastructure.

What are the emerging trends?

-> Emerging trends include AI-driven predictive maintenance, integration of IoT for remote monitoring, multi-vendor support capabilities, and sustainable maintenance practices.