Understand Cisco’s Enterprise Agreement for Software
Before you jump into an ELA, learn the pros and cons of the ELA and make an informed decision.
Your Challenge
- You’ve bought Cisco gear for years that included a software component. Now Cisco has decoupled the software from the hardware, and you need figure out what software license(s) are required and how many.
- You don’t really know what Cisco gear you own, what has ongoing software maintenance, and what has what is covered under your SmartNet contracts.
- You and your team need to fully understand the Cisco One Enterprise Agreement and enrollment structure to be able to maximize any benefits and cost savings of the program.
- Understand how the new software portal works for managing and provisioning of the software and who should have access to it.
- You are uncertain of the risks, costs, and benefits involved if you migrate to the new software agreement.
Our Advice
Critical Insight
- Focus on what’s best for you. A new software license agreement can have several benefits and potential cost savings, on the other hand it can have uncertainty and loss of perpetual licenses. CapEx vs. Opex has different appeal for different organizations. Disruptive change to IT departments can have both positive and sometimes negative results, depending on how it is implemented.
- Educate yourself. Learn and understand the how the Cisco ELA works, the enrolment structure, the value of software suites, the minimum spend requirements, the benefits of redeploying software, and the time saved with the management portal. Are you ready to give up your perpetual license position in lieu of the OpEx advantage?
- Consider the overall picture. The Cisco ELA has several modern licensing benefits and potential savings. However, reviewing your options in the ELA and choosing wisely within enrolments and support requirements will ultimately govern your ROI. Also consider the timing, are you near a hardware refresh or SmartNet renewal? Is software compliance a challenge or concern to the organization?
Impact and Result
- Understand how the Cisco ELA works, the structure, and the potential benefits and savings.
- A summary inventory of your Cisco infrastructure, both hardware and software.
- Knowledge to decide on the value and savings of transitioning to an ELA.
- How to effectively work with Cisco and its partners to secure a right-sized and right-priced software agreement that is best for your organization.
Start here – read the Executive Brief
Read our concise Executive Brief to find out how Cisco’s software agreement works, its benefits short and long term, cost savings, and compliance. Learn how the channel works and how to negotiate the best deal for your organization.
1. Organize
Understand your current Cisco hardware and software position.
2. Evaluate
Gain a complete understanding of the Cisco ELA structure, enrollment components, and support options.
3. Establish
Establish your basic ELA needs by aligning your current assets to the new enrolment and support options.
4. Purchase and manage
Understand the Cisco channel, choose a Partner, negotiate the deal, and then manage your software going forward.
Guided Implementations
This guided implementation is a seven call advisory process.
Guided Implementation #1 - Organize
Call #1 - Scope requirements, objectives, and your specific challenges.
Guided Implementation #2 - Organize
Call #1 - Gather and assess current Cisco inventory assets.
Call #2 - Review Cisco Inventory Workbook.
Guided Implementation #3 - Establish
Call #1 - Review ELA and enrollment structure, suites, and support options.
Call #2 - Map current inventory to the enrollments and choose support levels.
Guided Implementation #4 - Purchase and manage
