• You’ve bought Cisco gear for years that included a software component. Now Cisco has decoupled the software from the hardware, and you need to figure out what software licenses are required and how many.
• You don’t really know what Cisco gear you own, what has ongoing software maintenance, and 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.
• You need to understand how the new software portal works for managing and provisioning 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, but on the other hand it can mean 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 EA works, the enrollment 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 to gain the OpEx advantage?
• Consider the overall picture. The Cisco EA has several modern licensing benefits and potential savings. However, reviewing your options in the ELA and choosing wisely within enrollments 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 EA 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.