[c-nsp] risks of service contract non-renewal

[Mark D. Nagel]

Adam Greene wrote:
> I've got a customer who is thinking of letting the service contracts on its Cisco gear (L2 and L3 switches) expire, since the switches have limited lifetime warranties, they have cold spares and if they need technical assistance, they can ask yours truly. 
>
> I think the risk of doing this is that they will lose access to software upgrades, except in the case of free upgrades to redress security vulnerabilities. 
>
> I wonder if there are any other risks they should be aware of. I assume they will still be able to gain access to CCO even without a valid service contract, for example. 
>
>   

Firmware updates (not upgrades, i.e., IP Base to Advanced IP) for fixed
switches are also available free on CCO, so unless you need TAC support
or need faster than 10 business day RMA turnaround, you should be OK. 
For more details, see:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/hw/switches/ps4916/products_qanda_item09186a0080185383.shtml

Relevant excerpt:

*Q.* How do I get a "no additional cost" Cisco IOS Software update for
my fixed-configuration or stackable Cisco Catalyst switch?
*A.* Customers that own a software license for any of the eligible
fixed-configuration or stackable Cisco Catalyst series may obtain a
software update at Cisco.com.
Visit
http://tools.cisco.com/support/downloads/pub/MDFTree.x?butype=switches,
or from http://www.cisco.com <http://www.cisco.com/>, click on
"Downloads" and select "Switch Software". Downloading software requires
a Cisco.com username and password. If you do not have a Cisco.com
username, you can obtain one by clicking on "Register" at the top of any
Cisco.com Webpage (http://tools.cisco.com/RPF/register/register.do).

WARRANTY AND SERVICE

The hardware warranty available on Cisco Catalyst 3750, 3560, 3550, 3500
XL, 2970, 2960, 2950/LRE, 2940, 2900 XL, and Express 500 Series switches
is the Limited Lifetime Hardware Warranty. This warranty automatically
comes with the purchase of eligible Cisco Catalyst products, free of
charge. It offers free advanced replacement of products within 10
business days. For more information about the Limited Lifetime Hardware
Warranty, visit:
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/products/prod_warranties_item09186a00800e6e6e.html.


Regards,
Mark

-- 
Mark D. Nagel, CCIE #3177 <mnagel at willingminds.com>
Principal Consultant, Willing Minds LLC (http://www.willingminds.com)
cell: 949-279-5817, desk: 714-630-4772, fax: 949-623-9854