As with every hardware manufacturer, Cisco routinely retires older product models and ranges to make room for newer technologies in their portfolio. But if your business is using these soon-to-be-retired devices, what should you do?
1. Assess current usage
The first task is to assess where these devices are being used, and the processes that rely on them. How many do you have, and what is the financial cost of replacing them?
2. Assess the need for upgrades
With older storage network hardware, it may be that they are still deployed in frontline operations. Would upgrading these systems deliver a significant performance gain, and can the additional cost be justified?
3. Make a strategic decision
Once you know the scale of the problem and the potential impact on your operations, you are ready to make a decision: should you replace the Cisco storage network systems or is there a way to keep the current tried-and-tested solutions in place for longer?
Avoiding an unwanted upgrade
If the current systems continue to perform adequately, the additional cost and disruption of an upgrade is unwelcome. However, Cisco will not provide maintenance, support or parts for these retired systems.
This does not mean replacement is the only option, however. CDS offers flexible, proactive Cisco storage networking maintenance services for post-warranty hardware. So you can retain your systems for longer, maximizing ROI and reducing network disruption.
If your Cisco storage network systems are nearing end of life, please give us a call. Our engineers are happy to discuss your options– or to provide interim support as you migrate or upgrade to a platform from another vendor.