Are You Using Cisco Licensing in the Best Way? Let’s Find Out

Cisco’s license is useful for brands focused on IT and networking. The majority of IT teams, however, lack clarity about how to use it effectively. For instance, an Enterprise Agreement gets renewed at the same tier without checking if the scope is feasible. Many switches get licensed, with no one on the team knowing how to utilize them.

This happens when the Cisco licensing decision is made once, and no one thinks it through. The whole network evolves around this. Here are some aspects worth analyzing if you find familiar incidents.

You are renewing SmartNet on hardware that is nearing end-of-life

SmartNet support contracts are for hardware that has a future. You are paying for hardware replacement, software updates, and TAC access for the device, which is actively in production.

In some cases, SmartNet is automatically renewed on equipment scheduled for replacement. Before the next renewal cycle, you must conduct a quick check of any SmartNet-covered devices listed in Cisco’s EoL/EoS bulletins.

You purchased DNA Advantage, but running DNA Essentials features

This is where teams can’t utilize the licensing. DNA Advantage is the highest-tier subscription for Catalyst switches. DNA Essentials, on the other hand, is the lower tier, covering the fundamentals. Professionals must know which Advantage-only features are deployed in the environment now.

In some cases, enterprises use an Essentials workload on Advantage pricing. The price gap between the two tiers is significant, and the delta compounds at renewal time. So, check if you really need the Advantage features either for investing or renewing.

You have an Enterprise Agreement sized for a reduced-size network

Enterprise Agreements (EAs) are designed for organizations with large, growing networks. The price tag justifies the scale. The EAs come with built-in growth allowances, so you can add devices without renegotiating mid-term.

However, if your network has shrunk over time, the EA may no longer be feasible. EAs lock into a three to five-year term. If your EA is within 12 months of renewal, reconcile what you agreed to with what you are actually running.

Your actual device count and license mismatch

This is common in organizations that have grown over time. Switches get added, while some may get decommissioned. The license inventory in Cisco’s Smart Software Manager (CSSM) deviates from what’s physically in production. You may either be over-licensed or under-licensed. For better productivity, run a usage report once a year or before any renewal.

The team lacks knowledge of half the licensed features – This is easy to recognize but hard to quantify. Ask your network team to list the features in the current DNA subscription tier. Are they able to answer without looking it up? If they don’t know about the features and use them, re-assess your licensing options.

Final words

Using a Cisco license is essential for organizations with a strong focus on IT and networking. However, assessing your business usage needs and the value of the current plan is essential to reducing running costs and staying productive. Make sure that you consider all the essential factors.