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IBM TAPE & BACKUP MAINTENANCE · TPM AFTER IBM SERVICE PAC

IBM Tape & Backup Maintenance — vendor-independent service for TS-series and Spectrum Protect

We service IBM tape and backup hardware after IBM Service Pac expiration — vendor-independent, with OEM original parts and SLA up to 24×7×4. TS-series tape drives and TS3500/TS4500 enterprise tape libraries are standard in many DACH banks and mainframe environments.

Which IBM Tape & Backup models we service

IBM tape hardware is widely deployed in the DACH banking and mainframe sector — TS3500 and TS4500 often productive for 10-15 years. IBM Service Pac becomes increasingly difficult to renew on older TS models.

TS-Serie Tape-Drives
TS1140 · TS1150 · TS1155 · TS1160
TS-Serie Tape-Libraries (Mid-Range)
TS3100 · TS3200 · TS3310
TS-Serie Tape-Libraries (Enterprise)
TS3500 · TS4500 (Generations 1-3)
Spectrum Protect Appliances
Spectrum Protect (ehem. TSM) · ProtecTier-Appliances · IBM Storage Protect

Why TPM maintenance instead of IBM Service Pac (Tape)

IBM Service Pac for tape is positioned in the premium segment — and on TS3500 1st generation, TS1140 drives or TS3100/3200 renewal becomes difficult. In the DACH banking and mainframe sector these platforms are often 15+ years old and still technically running.

We service all TS generations with OEM original parts — robotics modules (robot arms, pick-and-place), drive mounts, read/write heads, control electronics, PSUs. Spectrum Protect (formerly TSM) and ProtecTier inline dedup run separately via IBM.

30–60 %
Savings vs. IBM Service Pac (Tape)
up to 70 %
Savings on EOSL models
48 h
Fixed-price quote after receipt of your inventory
4 h
Onsite response time with 24×7×4 SLA

Generations timeline & TPM coverage

Per hardware generation: vendor phase (slate) and TechCare coverage window (teal) up to ~5 years post-OEM EOSL.

EOSL status of major generations

Once the vendor ends official support, renewals become unavailable or disproportionately expensive. TPM closes exactly this gap — same hardware coverage, same SLA, significantly cheaper.

Model family Released OEM support ends TPM status
TS1140 Drives 2011 2020 Recommended
TS1150 Drives 2014 2023 Recommended
TS3100/TS3200 2007-2010 2018-2020 Recommended
TS3310 2008 2020 Recommended
TS3500 (1. Gen) 2003-2010 2020 Recommended
TS4500 2014+ 2024+ Supported

As of 2026. EOSL data based on official vendor roadmaps and subject to change. Binding case-by-case information available on request.

What we deliver

OEM original parts

Our warehouse stocks OEM original components, including for end-of-life generations.

Onsite engineer

German-speaking technicians throughout DACH, 4-hour response time guaranteed.

Flexible SLA per server

Parts Only, 5×9 NBD or 24×7×4 — freely combinable by location and criticality.

Multi-vendor contract

One contract for IBM Tape & Backup and all other vendors. No more individual contracts.

EOSL tracking & reporting

Monthly SLA reports, asset overview, automatic EOSL notifications.

Vendor tools stay

IBM Tape & Backup-specific management tools remain usable.

FAQ on IBM Tape & Backup maintenance

Which IBM tape and backup hardware do you service?
We service TS-series tape drives, TS-series tape libraries (TS3100, TS3200, TS3310 mid-range; TS3500 and TS4500 enterprise) and Spectrum Protect (formerly TSM) and ProtecTier backup appliances.
What does TPM cost compared to IBM Service Pac?
30 to 60 percent savings vs. IBM Service Pac, up to 70 percent on EOSL models. A TS3500 with 24×7×4 costs 12,000 to 18,000 EUR/year with IBM, 5,000 to 7,500 EUR with TechCare.
Can you service older TS3500 1st generation?
Yes. TS3500 1st generation (released 2003-2010, EOSL 2020) is 15+ years old in many bank data centers and mainframe environments and still running. Robotics modules, drive mounts, control electronics and PSUs we stock.
What about Spectrum Protect / TSM software licenses?
Spectrum Protect (formerly TSM, now IBM Storage Protect) is software and runs separately via IBM. We service the hardware layer of the appliances.
Which SLA levels for tape?
Parts Only, 5×9 NBD, 24×7×4 — freely selectable. For productive backup windows and mainframe environments with hard backup SLAs we recommend 24×7×4.
Tape robotics at TS3500 — how fast?
For TS3500/TS4500 tape library robotics 4-hour on-site response with 24×7×4 is standard. Robotics modules we stock in DACH warehouse — TS robotics is a common failure point after 8-10 years.
Do we lose the warranty?
No. Factory warranty and IBM Service Pac are contractual services.
Service performance

Real actuals Q1 2026 — straight from our ITIL ticketing.

99,2 %
Tickets resolved within agreed response time
2,4 h
Avg. first response on 4h SLA tier
88 %
First-time fix on initial dispatch
97 %
Spare part on site within 4 h, DACH depots
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