Info-Tech recently compared the cost of Cisco Systems and Nortel Networks LAN infrastructure products and support. We examined list prices of LAN switches and support contracts for small, medium, and large campus LAN implementations. As expected, the Cisco price premium is significant. This research note looks at the cost of Cisco and Nortel LAN implementations, the price differential, and what to expect in terms of discounts from the vendors.
Sizing Up the Cost
The Info-Tech LAN infrastructure cost comparison examined list pricing for infrastructure and accompanying support contracts suitable for 250, 1750, and 3000 port enterprise LANs. The results are interesting, albeit largely expected.
When comparing Cisco and Nortel pricing, Info-Tech attempted to compare products with like features and functionality. While there may be some features and functions that are impossible to match, for all intents and purposes, this is as close to an apples-to-apples comparison as is possible given the two vendor product portfolios. Beginning with the 250 port comparison, the Cisco campus LAN solution represents a 71% five-year price premium. The CAPEX and support pricing mix can be seen in Figure 1.
