HP will now limit firmware updates to Enterprise customers under warranty

[anuseems]

http://h30507.www3.hp.com/t5/Technical-Support-Services-Blog/Customers-for-life/ba-p/154423#.Uvd-hvmSzg-

HP will now limit firmware updates to Enterprise customers under warranty

Phi Ha

18 hours ago 60 Comments Hot!

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HP servers could prove be costly to maintain under the new plans.

In an unprecedented move by the company, HP will only provide firmware updates to Enterprise customers that are under warranty after February 19.

In a press release, Vice President Mary McCoy announced firmware updates through the HP support centre will only be available to customers with a valid warranty, Care Pack Service or support agreement. The move could see customers forking out hundreds or even thousands on Care Pack Services, which provide hardware and software support, as well as services, to receive the latest updates for their devices.

McCoy says while the move is a change from the past, it will place the company in line with the best practices in the industry.

We know this is a change from how weve done business in the past; however, this aligns with industry best practices and is the right decision for our customers and partners."

The company Vice President says customers are given first priority because they are given a choice to pay for additional upgrades.

Firmware is the read-only programming that is embedded into hardware. Firmware updates can be used to add functions, fix bugs, enhance security or simply improve performance of the device. Network devices such as routers and servers often receive firmware updates to ensure users are gaining optimal performance.

Existing customers are advised to update their laptops, servers, tablets and other HP devices by the February 19.

http://h30507.www3.hp.com/t5/Technical-Support-Services-Blog/Customers-for-life/ba-p/154423#.Uvd-hvmSzg-

Edited February 10, 2014 by anuseems

[vitorio]

Hi:

I already not buying hp printers, I changed to Epson, which according to reviews is much better than hp.

I still owned a hp computer, still think is one of the best.

But is they continue with this changes against the customers I just want to tell hp that they are not the last Coke in the dessert.

Each day there are new options with take in consideration the customers.

Edited February 10, 2014 by vitorio

[stylemessiah]

While not welcome, you cant really fault them for doing it, they have to spend the time creating and testing the firmware for everyone from office to mission critical environments.. given that the initial purchase price of PC equipment is so much lower nowadays than even 10 years ago, they have to make money somewhere, and maintenance is the most logical area. If they charge for it,. they are going to have to deliver, so theres also that pressure on them.

[davmil]

While I disagree with and am disappointed with their decision, I'd add to what stylemessiah suggested and note that additionally probably plenty of noobs hose their systems irrevocably in a manner not easily recovered when they mess up a firmware flash. I'd be willing to bet they still push out updates if something's seriously amiss.

HP's going the way of all the low end builders unfortunately. Heck, they practically quit the PC business last year. Their printers have fallen from the de-facto standard to 3rd rate plastic junk and their support first disappeared overseas falling 5,000% in quality in the process, and now, with this decision, seemingly altogether. Too bad. Glad there are still other options out there.

[speedpedal]

When you buy a product in good faith, you expect it to perform as advertised. Don't ask your customers too pay for something that should have been a fully tested and ready for use when you buy it! Same old game deploy the product and the buyer Eat's it!

Edited February 10, 2014 by speedpedal

[Karlston]

This is probably in violation of many country's Consumer Affairs (Fair Trading etc) laws.

[Beamslider]

So go with another computer company......Sales numbers say it better than anything else.

Edited February 10, 2014 by Beamslider