Not many enterprises realize this, but buying brand-new Cisco Catalyst switches isn’t always the most strategic choice. With Cisco Excess options, businesses can get the same high-performing models like the Catalyst 9200 and Catalyst 9300 series, benefiting from reduced costs while still securing warranty and support.
I Most Cisco users don't even know about this.
For organizations focused on optimizing both performance and budget, Cisco Excess offers a practical solution without sacrificing quality or reliability.
What is Cisco Excess?
Cisco Excess refers to surplus, overstocked, or previously leased Cisco hardware redistributed through authorized channels. These products, while not brand-new, come from sources like canceled orders, overproduction, and expired leasing contracts. They undergo extensive quality checks to ensure full functionality and are delivered in original Cisco packaging, sometimes with minor cosmetic imperfections.
Importantly, these products come with clean EU serial numbers, making them eligible for SmartNet support and Cisco licenses. This ensures your organization can maintain full technical support, software updates, and hardware replacement options, just like with brand-new equipment.
Key Benefits:
Cost Savings: Cisco Excess Catalyst switches are typically 20% to 50% cheaper than brand-new Cisco products, offering substantial savings for enterprises managing tight budgets.
Eligible for SmartNet and Licenses: Cisco Excess products remain eligible for Cisco SmartNet Total Care (SNTC) support and licenses, provided they are purchased through authorized Cisco Excess partners. This means you still get the same level of technical support, software updates, and hardware replacement as with new Cisco hardware.
Sustainability: By purchasing Cisco Excess, you’re supporting Cisco’s Circular Economy initiatives, which help reduce e-waste and extend the lifecycle of Cisco Catalyst switches.
Shorter Lead Times: These products are often in stock, meaning faster delivery times (typically between 7 and 21 days), which can be a crucial advantage when you need Cisco Catalyst switches quickly.
Warranty: Cisco Excess typically comes with an extended 12-month replacement warranty, covering Dead on Arrival (DOA) units, adding an extra layer of confidence in your purchase.
Further Information on Cisco Excess Catalyst Switches:
Older Models: Cisco Excess products must have been in production for at least two years, so if your organization requires the latest models, you might not find them in the Excess program.
Limited Availability: Since these products are surplus or overstock, availability can be restricted, especially for high-demand models. You may need to act quickly if you find the Cisco Catalyst switches you need.
Cosmetic Imperfections: While fully functional, Cisco Excess Catalyst switches may have minor cosmetic flaws, though this does not impact performance.
Licensing and SmartNet in EU Countries
If you’re based in an EU country and purchased Cisco Excess Catalyst switches from a non-local source, you can still request SmartNet support and licenses through your local Cisco partner. Cisco’s global support infrastructure allows you to manage your Cisco Catalyst switches and support services locally, regardless of where the switches were originally purchased. Just ensure that your switches were sourced from an authorized Cisco Excess partner with clean EU serial numbers.
Decision Factors:
If your company needs reliable, high-quality Cisco hardware at a reduced price and doesn’t require the latest models, Cisco Excess could be a great cost-saving option.
For projects requiring quick deployment or where aesthetics are less important than functionality, the faster lead times and cost savings of Cisco Excess may outweigh the benefits of buying brand-new catalyst switches.
Be sure to partner with an authorized Cisco reseller to ensure that your Catalyst switches are eligible for SmartNet and licenses and that you receive appropriate warranties.
Comments