I'm part of a small organization that runs a basic Cisco setup, which includes 2960X switches, ISR 4331 routers, and a few 3702 APs. For years, we relied on the same Cisco partner for support and renewals, but lately, they've started demanding that we upgrade to newer gear with cloud licensing and Meraki solutions to continue receiving support. Every year, it seems like they want a bigger budget just to keep things running smoothly.
We don't require all the fancy features; we just need reliable, functional switches and WiFi. Is this something others are experiencing with their Cisco VARs? How do you handle aging equipment and vendor support when budgets are tight? Any alternatives out there that don't involve constant price hikes? I'd really appreciate any advice.
5 Answers
I dealt with similar issues with VMware and Citrix. You might want to consider switching to a different vendor or explore cheaper alternatives like Fortinet. Also, look into multi-year renewals if you can; they might save you some cash in the long run.
It sounds like your VAR is definitely trying to push for upgrades rather than providing the basic support you need. Cisco does periodically increase prices on their SmartNet renewals. If your devices aren't end-of-sale yet, you can still get support from various Cisco resellers until that happens.
We’ve moved away from relying solely on VARs and started working with different suppliers. It’s helpful to compare quotes, and websites like it-price can give you insights on pricing trends. If you aren’t locked into a long-term deal, it's easier to negotiate.
If your Cisco equipment is either EOL or nearing that stage, third-party support might be an option, but it can get pricey over time. You might want to consider moving to Aruba switches and APs; they offer good quality without the premium Cisco pricing.
Good point! I'll research Aruba to see how they compare.
Many SMBs are facing the same plight with VARs pushing for expensive upgrades. You might try using alternatives like Ruckus or Ubiquiti, or even third-party maintenance for non-critical gear to keep costs down. Shopping around might also make your VAR more competitive in pricing.
That's good to know! I’ll definitely check if I can still renew with my current setup.