Cisco SMARTnet · renewal alternative
Cisco SMARTnet alternative & renewal
Is your SMARTnet contract expiring or your Cisco hardware reaching Last Day of Support? TechCare keeps Catalyst, Nexus, UCS, ASA & MDS maintained vendor-independently — 30–60 % below SMARTnet, with original spare parts and equal SLA, even past EOSL.
SMARTnet renewal vs. TechCare
| Cisco SMARTnet | TechCare TPM | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | List price; after LDoS often no renewal available | 30–60 % below SMARTnet — up to 70 % past EOSL |
| SLA tiers | 8×5×NBD to 24×7×4 | equal or better tiers (up to 24×7×2) |
| Spare parts | Cisco-new / RMA | OEM-original — own DACH depot + certified refurbishers |
| Past EOSL / LDoS | ends at Last Day of Support | full maintenance, years past LDoS |
| IOS/NX-OS updates | included until LDoS | hardware layer; active software subscription runs separately |
| Multi-vendor | one SMARTnet contract per Cisco line | one contract for Cisco + 27 other vendors |
| Contract lock-in | tied to Cisco lifecycle | flexible, no refresh pressure |
Exact per-system figure via the TCO calculator, all Cisco lines on the Cisco maintenance page.
When SMARTnet, when TPM?
Stay with the SMARTnet renewal when Cisco hardware is brand-new under warranty, you actively use DNA / Smart License features, or a contract must legally stay with Cisco.
TPM wins past warranty and past LDoS, on multi-vendor fleets and under cost pressure — at equal or better SLA. Unsure? The 3-question TPM check gives an honest read in 30 seconds.
Frequently asked about switching from SMARTnet
What is Cisco SMARTnet — and what happens when it expires?
SMARTnet (today also Smart Net Total Care / Solution Support) is Cisco's maintenance contract: TAC support, RMA hardware replacement and software updates. When it expires or the hardware reaches Last Day of Support (LDoS), Cisco often no longer offers a renewal — that is exactly where TechCare steps in: full maintenance with original spare parts, even years past LDoS.
How much do I save versus a SMARTnet renewal?
On Cisco hardware typically 30–60 % versus SMARTnet, up to 70 % on EOSL models. A Catalyst 3850 at 24×7×4 costs roughly €1,200–1,800/year at Cisco, €450–800 at TechCare. The exact comparison comes within 48 hours after install-base review.
Do I still get IOS/NX-OS updates?
TechCare services the hardware layer (TAC-equivalent support + original spare parts). Software feature updates end at Cisco's LDoS anyway; an active software subscription continues separately via Cisco. On mature EOSL generations this is rarely a blocker in practice.
Are the Cisco spare parts really original?
Yes — exclusively OEM-original parts from our own stocking hub, certified refurbishers and partly direct procurement. Chain-of-custody documentation on request (important for banks, government, critical infrastructure).
When is a SMARTnet renewal the better choice?
On brand-new Cisco hardware under warranty, with actively-used Cisco DNA / Smart License features, or when a contract must legally stay with Cisco. In those cases we honestly recommend the SMARTnet renewal.