strategic instead of reactive.

Software maintenance & firmware updates

Holistic maintenance concepts for your IT infrastructure – manufacturer-independent, legally compliant and cost-efficient.

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Safe. Efficient. Sustainable.

Software maintenance rethought

Firmware and software updates have long been more than just routine in IT. They are essential for protection against security vulnerabilities, the stability of systems and compliance with legal requirements – and yet they often pose considerable challenges in everyday life: updates come at the wrong time, are cost-intensive or are difficult to access due to manufacturer restrictions. Especially in complex and heterogeneous IT landscapes, maintaining firmware is an ongoing organizational and technical task.

As a manufacturer-independent service partner, we develop individual maintenance concepts that make your update processes secure, efficient and future-proof. Our goal: to support you in the long-term stabilization of your IT infrastructure, to avoid unnecessary costs and to keep your systems permanently up to date – both technically and legally.

Holistic, independent and with a 24/7 service you can rely on.

Successfully implementing regulatory requirements

The EU Ecodesign Directive is increasing the pressure - we make your IT future-proof and legally compliant.

Since March 1, 2021, the EU Ecodesign Directive has placed new requirements on the provision and availability of firmware and software updates. The aim is to extend the service life of electronic devices, use resources more efficiently and improve reparability and maintainability. Companies are therefore increasingly obliged to optimize their IT landscapes not only for performance and security, but also for sustainability and legal compliance.

A rethink is required in the area of update strategy in particular: systems must be kept up-to-date for longer, updates must be made available transparently and maintenance concepts must be designed for the long term – regardless of the manufacturer’s product cycles. These requirements not only affect the IT department, but also have an impact on the entire asset management and investment planning.

We support you not only in meeting these regulatory requirements, but also in transforming them into a sustainable, economically viable IT strategy. With our cross-vendor approach, we ensure update availability, reduce dependencies and ensure stable and compliant IT operations – today and in the future.

Background and effects of EU directives/regulations on firmware

Regulations, decisions and ordinances in connection with HW/SW updates

DIRECTIVE 2009/125/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of October 21, 2009 – The Ecodesign Directive 2009/125/EC is a European directive with the aim of improving the energy efficiency and general environmental compatibility of electrical appliances and energy-related products.
Latest Regulation based on Directive 2009/125/EC – amending Regulations (EU) 2019/424, (EU) 2019/1781, (EU) 2019/2019, (EU) 2019/2020, (EU) 2019/2021, (EU) 2019/2022, (EU) 2019/2023 AND (EU) 2019/2024 as regards ecodesign requirements for servers and data storage products, electric motors and variable speed drives, refrigerating appliances, light sources and separate control gears, electronic displays, household dishwashers, household washing machines and refrigerating appliances with a direct sales function: COMMISSION REGULATION (EU) 2021/341 of 23. February 2021
COMMISSION DECISION of December 13, 2011 – Case COMP/C-3/39692-IBM Maintenance Services

What changes will the 2021 Ecodesign Directive bring to the handling of firmware?

“…From March 1, 2021, the latest available version of the firmware shall be made available free of charge or at a fair, transparent and non-discriminatory cost two years after the first product of a given product model is placed on the market for a period of at least eight years after the last product of a given product model is placed on the market. The latest available firmware security update shall be made available free of charge from the date of placing on the market of a particular product model until at least eight years after the date of placing on the market of the last product of a particular product model.”

What impact does this have on me as a customer?

The new EU regulation gives you as an IT manager one thing above all: more security in terms of long-term availability and therefore more freedom in the sustainable design of your IT landscape. No more worrying about firmware updates that may no longer be available and the associated security gaps within just a few years of purchase. The regulation also puts a stop to utopian price demands, contractual conditions linked to the purchase of firmware and recommendations for the premature replacement of fully functional hardware.

Sources

STATUS 03/2021 // K&P COMPUTER MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ACCURACY, ACCURACY AND COMPLETENESS.
Sources: Publications Office of the European Union; official website of the European Union

Whether as an initial consultation or to optimize existing maintenance concepts: We are there for you – manufacturer-independent, solution-oriented and always available.

Develop an update strategy now - with the experts from K&P

Whether as an initial consultation or to optimize existing maintenance concepts: We are there for you – manufacturer-independent, solution-oriented and always available.

More transparency, security and control for our customers

The European Data Act

The European Data Act has been in force since September 12, 2023. This gives you, as a user of networked or hybrid machines – such as modern storage products whose data is processed in the cloud – comprehensive rights to access your data.
Manufacturers (OEMs) are obliged to provide you with all relevant product and service data, including error logs and the associated metadata. This metadata is crucial so that you can interpret and use the information correctly.

Important points:

Direct or requested access: Where technically possible, you should be able to access the data directly. If this is not the case, the manufacturer must provide the data immediately upon request.
Data quality and format: The data must be available in the same quality as the manufacturer itself – structured, machine-readable, secure and free of charge.
Real-time data: If technically feasible, the data must even be accessible continuously and in real time.
Sharing with third parties: You can pass on your data to partners of your choice. Third parties are obliged to use the data only for the agreed purpose, to delete it when it is no longer needed and not to pass it on without your consent. This protects you from misuse and unwanted distribution of your information.
Cloud flexibility: Providers of data processing services (clouds) must not create any technical or contractual hurdles that make switching more difficult. In addition, the conditions for a possible switch must be clearly regulated in writing in the contract and made accessible before the contract is concluded.

For you, this means: more transparency, more security, less dependency and more freedom of choice – both when using your machine data and when choosing your cloud services.

We will inform you shortly about which providers you can specifically request your data from and how we can support you.

European Data Act

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

What impact does this have on me as a customer?

From now on, you have a documented right to full access to your own data – free of charge, in high quality, machine-readable and, if technically possible, in real time. This makes fault diagnosis easier, increases transparency and strengthens your independence from manufacturers.

Can I also share the data with third parties?

Yes, you can pass on your data to service or support partners. They may only use the data for the purpose agreed with you and must delete it as soon as it is no longer required. Disclosure to other third parties is not permitted without your express consent.

What advantages do I have with the new rules for cloud services?

You benefit from more flexibility and contractual clarity. Cloud providers must disclose the conditions for a possible switch in writing before the contract is signed. In addition, they are not allowed to create any artificial hurdles – making it easier for you to switch providers or use several services in parallel in future.

Unique from the IBM Platinum Business Partner

The solution approach for IBM hardware

As an IBM Platinum Business Partner, K&P Computer was the only third-party maintenance company in the DACH region that was able to ensure the legal procurement of hardware updates in a cost-efficient manner at all times, even before the regulation came into force. This in-depth experience benefits you as a customer at all times. And not only here.

Another special feature is software maintenance and the microcodes it includes – an area that is not covered by the regulation. But an area that we can also cover as a business partner.

Talk to us! We are your experts.

Your contact person

Rainer Waiblinger

CTO

+49 6122 7071-341

waiblinger@kpc.de

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