As an HP partner and fanboy for over 15 years, I have noticed a recent change in HP’s policy regarding firmware updates for their ProLiant servers. Starting from February 2014, customers need an active warranty or contract to access firmware updates. This means that if you want to upgrade your server’s firmware, you must have a system that is under warranty, has an active CarePack, or belongs to a service agreement.
This change may not seem like a big deal, but it can have significant consequences for customers who want to use their servers for an extended period. Let me explain why.
Firstly, there are three groups of customers who are affected by this change:
1. Customers who buy high-quality server products and want to use them for a long time. These customers often do not purchase support extensions, as they believe that their servers should last for several years without any issues. However, with the new policy, they will not be able to access firmware updates if their warranty expires.
2. Resellers who buy used hardware and sell it to price-sensitive customers. These resellers often offer support for the hardware, but with the new policy, they may not be able to provide firmware updates, which can be a major drawback for their customers.
3. Customers who want to use their servers for more than three or four years. These customers may not want to purchase a new server every time a new firmware update is released, but with the new policy, they will have to either buy a support contract from HP or risk not getting new firmware updates.
The new policy can also impact resellers and 3rd party support providers, as they may not be able to offer firmware updates to their customers. This can lead to a decrease in sales for these parties, as customers may choose to buy new hardware instead of used hardware with limited support.
Furthermore, this change can also be seen as a way for HP to increase the value of their used hardware. By making it more difficult for customers to access firmware updates for free, HP can encourage customers to purchase new hardware or support contracts, which can help to boost their sales and revenue.
It’s worth noting that this policy change is not unique to HP. Other vendors, such as IBM/Lenovo and Dell, have also implemented similar policies in the past. Additionally, software companies often require customers to purchase support in order to receive updates, so this trend is not limited to the hardware industry.
In my opinion, HP should consider opening firmware access for lab users, as they are an important group of users who rely on server hardware for their work. Providing them with access to firmware updates can help to maintain their satisfaction and loyalty towards the brand.
Overall, the new policy change by HP can have a significant impact on customers, resellers, and 3rd party support providers. While it may be seen as a way for HP to increase their revenue, it can also limit the lifespan of their hardware and drive customers towards purchasing new hardware instead of using older hardware with limited support.