Network Hardware Resale (News - Alert), a provider of pre-owned and new networking solutions, announced that its NetSure Maintenance Program, a complete and customizable network coverage solution and affordable alternative to Cisco (News - Alert) SMARTnet, was recognized as a hardware support services competitor compared to traditional OEM support services in a recent report by Gartner (News - Alert), “Forecast Analysis: Hardware Product Support Services, 2010-2016, 2Q12 Update.”

Cisco SMARTnet is the company’s network and IT infrastructure support service. It provides anytime access to Cisco engineers in the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) and an extensive range of resources, tools and training to IT staff.

Available since 2008, NetSure provides 24x7 global technical support and advanced hardware replacement. Customers can save more than 50 percent on recurring maintenance costs and delay costly upgrades by extending the life of their network. NetSure offers a complete network coverage solution customized to your network and budget needs.

"For more than 20 years, Network Hardware Resale has remained committed to providing customers with alternative and flexible services for network maintenance," said Mike Sheldon, president and CEO of Network Hardware Resale. "We believe Gartner's inclusion of us in this report confirms the value and cost savings customers are achieving through our NetSure service.”

Companies are turning to companies like Network Hardware Resale for alternative solutions for multiple reasons. For one, alternative vendors are much less expensive than Cisco, and they also provide versatility, quick response times and overall value. Alternative vendors have, in many cases, most of the same offerings as SMARTnet, and sometimes with better service and lower prices.

Another major alternative vendor is XS International, who offers alternative IT maintenance support for Cisco, IBM, Oracle, Juniper, HP, Dell (News - Alert), Brocade and other manufacturers. Its alternative to Cisco SMARTnet offers contract flexibilities, simple contract management with all support under a single agreement, payment flexibilities, cost reductions over Cisco’s deepest discounts and hardware and software support beyond Cisco End-of-Life or End-of-Service.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO West 2012, taking place Oct. 2-5, in Austin, TX. Stay in touch with everything happening at ITEXPO (News - Alert). Follow us on Twitter.