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The Hidden Costs of Cisco Smart Licensing: Is It Really Worth It? Cisco Smart Licensing, introduced as a modern solution to streamline software license management, has faced significant criticism for its impact on operational expenses (OPEX). Many organizations have reported that the shift to this licensing model has unexpectedly increased their OPEX budgets by at least 20 to 30%. This rise in costs, coupled with the complexities of implementation, raises questions about the necessity and value of Cisco Smart Licensing.The Financial Impact One of the primary complaints from users is the sudden increase in OPEX. Traditionally, companies used perpetual licenses, which involved a one-time purchase cost with no need for ongoing renewal expenses. These licenses provided simplicity and predictability in budgeting. However, Cisco Smart Licensing introduces a subscription-based model that requires regular payments, adding a recurring expense to the IT budget​ (Cisco Community)​​ (Cisco Community)​.For example, a user in the Cisco community highlighted that their OPEX budget had to account for new subscription fees that were not present with perpetual licenses. This shift has forced many organizations to re-evaluate their financial strategies and, in some cases, consider alternatives to Cisco's offerings​ (Cisco Blogs)​​ (Cisco Community)​.Implementation Challenges Beyond the financial implications, the transition to Cisco Smart Licensing is often fraught with technical and administrative challenges. The initial setup can be complex and time-consuming, requiring significant resources to migrate from traditional PAK-based licenses to the new system. Organizations must also ensure consistent internet connectivity for license synchronization, which can be particularly challenging for those with strict security policies or in remote locations​ (Cisco Community)​​ (Cisco Community)​.Customer Sentiment and Alternatives Given these challenges, some organizations are reconsidering their relationship with Cisco. Reports indicate that the increased OPEX and the complexity of managing Smart Licensing have led some customers to explore other vendors that offer more predictable and straightforward licensing models​ (Cisco Community)​.Conclusion: Is Smart Licensing Necessary? While Cisco Smart Licensing offers centralized management and flexibility, it also brings significant increases in operational costs and implementation hurdles. For many organizations, the perpetual licensing model provided a simpler, more predictable solution that aligned better with their financial and operational needs. Companies already equipped with effective tools for managing software updates and licenses might find the additional complexity and expense of Cisco Smart Licensing unnecessary.Before transitioning to Cisco Smart Licensing, it's crucial for organizations to carefully assess their specific needs and consider whether the potential benefits justify the added costs and complexity. In many cases, sticking with perpetual licenses and existing management tools may be the more prudent choice.

Hidden Costs of Cisco Smart Licensing

<h3>Cisco Smart Licensing: A Solution Looking for a Problem?</h3> Cisco Smart Licensing was introduced as a modern approach to managing software licenses across its extensive product portfolio. This cloud-based system promises to streamline the licensing process, providing a centralized platform for license management. However, it's essential to critically assess whether this tool is genuinely necessary, given the historical context and existing alternatives that many organizations already have in place.The Historical Context: When Less Was More Perpetual Licenses: In the past, software licenses were often perpetual, meaning companies could buy a license once and use it indefinitely without worrying about renewals or compliance checks. This simplicity negated the need for complex licensing tools and allowed businesses to focus their resources elsewhere. Existing Management Tools: Many organizations have long relied on proprietary or third-party tools to manage software updates and track license usage. These tools have been tailored to their specific needs and integrated into their IT ecosystems, providing reliable and efficient license management without the need for additional solutions. The Pros and Cons of Cisco Smart Licensing:<h3>Pros:</h3>Centralized Management: Cisco Smart Licensing offers a single portal for managing licenses, which can be convenient for some organizations. Flexibility: The model supports both direct and mediated deployment, catering to different security and network needs. <h3>Cons:</h3>Complex Initial Setup: Transitioning from traditional licensing to Smart Licensing can be time-consuming and complex, requiring significant planning and resources. Dependency on Internet Connectivity: Regular synchronization is necessary, which can be challenging for organizations with strict security policies or those in remote locations. Learning Curve: The new system requires training for IT staff, adding to the operational overhead. Do You Really Need Cisco Smart Licensing? While Cisco Smart Licensing offers some benefits, it is crucial to evaluate whether these outweigh the challenges and whether they are needed at all. Here are some points to consider:Perpetual Licenses Are Still Viable: For many organizations, perpetual licenses remain a cost-effective and straightforward solution. They eliminate the need for ongoing compliance checks and renewals, reducing administrative burden. Existing Tools Work Just Fine: If your organization already has effective tools for managing software updates and licenses, adopting Cisco Smart Licensing might introduce unnecessary complexity. Existing systems are often well-integrated and familiar to IT staff, ensuring smooth operations without the need for additional training or disruption. Cost vs. Benefit: The cost and effort associated with implementing and maintaining Cisco Smart Licensing may not justify the benefits, especially if your current system is already meeting your needs effectively.Conclusion: Evaluate Your Needs Carefully Before jumping on the Cisco Smart Licensing bandwagon, it's essential to critically assess whether it truly aligns with your organization’s needs. For many companies, perpetual licenses and existing management tools provide sufficient functionality without the added complexity and cost of a new system. Cisco Smart Licensing may offer some advantages, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution, and its necessity should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Cisco Smart Licensing: A Solution Looking For A Problem?

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Chain of custody is a critical aspect of IT hardware management that ensures the proper handling and tracking of devices throughout their lifecycle. In this blog, we will explore what chain of custody means in the context of IT hardware and why it is essential. <h3>What is Chain of Custody?</h3> Chain of custody refers to the documented trail of evidence that establishes the ownership, custody, and location of IT hardware devices from the time they are acquired until they are disposed of or recycled. This process ensures that devices are accounted for and properly handled at every stage of their lifecycle. <h3>Why is Chain of Custody Important?</h3> Chain of custody is essential for several reasons:Compliance: Chain of custody is required by various laws and regulations, including data privacy laws, environmental regulations, and e-waste laws. Proper documentation of chain of custody helps ensure compliance with these regulations.Security: Chain of custody helps prevent the loss, theft, or unauthorized access to IT hardware devices. By documenting who has custody of a device at any given time, chain of custody helps ensure that only authorized personnel have access to the device.Liability: Chain of custody helps organizations protect themselves against liability by ensuring that devices are properly disposed of and recycled. Proper documentation of chain of custody can help organizations prove that they have complied with legal and regulatory requirements. Best Practices for Chain of Custody in IT HardwareTo ensure the proper handling and tracking of IT hardware devices, organizations should follow these best practices:Document all acquisitions and disposals: Maintain a record of all IT hardware acquisitions and disposals, including the date of acquisition, the manufacturer and model number of the device, and the name of the person or entity from whom it was acquired or to whom it was disposed of.Track the device throughout its lifecycle: Maintain a record of the location and custody of the device at all times, including who has custody of the device and for how long.Securely dispose of devices: Ensure that devices are properly disposed of or recycled in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.Train personnel: Train personnel on the importance of chain of custody and how to properly handle and track IT hardware devices. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Chain of custody is a critical aspect of IT hardware management that ensures the proper handling and tracking of devices throughout their lifecycle. By following best practices for chain of custody, organizations can ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, prevent the loss or theft of devices, and protect themselves against liability. Proper documentation and tracking of chain of custody are essential for maintaining the security and integrity of IT hardware devices.Click here to speak to one of our experts about assuring you are buying from secure resources:

Chain Of Custody in IT

Creating an environmentally friendly office is not only beneficial for the planet, but it can also improve the well-being and productivity of your employees. By making a few simple changes, you can reduce your carbon footprint and create a more sustainable workplace. Here are 10 ways to make your office environment more environmentally friendly:

<h2>1. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting</h2>
Switching to energy-efficient lighting options such as LED bulbs can significantly reduce your office's energy consumption. LED bulbs last longer and use less electricity compared to traditional incandescent bulbs, making them a cost-effective and eco-friendly choice.
<figure id="figure-81znlnzq4mllbvybvh"><img id="81znlnzq4mllbvybvh" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1534224039826-c7a0eda0e6b3?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxMnx8ZW5lcmd5JTIwZWZmaWNpZW50JTIwbGlnaHRpbmd8ZW58MHx8fHwxNjkyMDc4NTg2fDA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="energy efficient lighting" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure>

<h2>2. Encourage Recycling</h2>
Set up designated recycling bins throughout the office for paper, plastic, glass, and aluminum. Make sure to educate your employees about the importance of recycling and provide clear signage to encourage proper disposal. You can also consider implementing a composting program for food waste.
<figure id="figure-zvlrrg5dd7llbvydfe"><img id="zvlrrg5dd7llbvydfe" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1608224873587-81ee37394b4e?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyMXx8cmVjeWNsaW5nJTIwYmluc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTIwNzg1ODl8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="recycling bins" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure>

<h2>3. Reduce Paper Waste</h2>
Embrace a paperless office by encouraging digital communication and document sharing. Use cloud storage and collaboration tools to minimize the need for printed materials. When printing is necessary, encourage double-sided printing and use recycled paper.
<figure id="figure-w5vm6n8ekllbvygwo"><img id="w5vm6n8ekllbvygwo" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1487017159836-4e23ece2e4cf?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxfHxwYXBlcmxlc3MlMjBvZmZpY2V8ZW58MHx8fHwxNjkyMDc4NTkzfDA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="paperless office" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure>

<h2>4. Conserve Water</h2>
Install low-flow faucets and toilets in your office bathrooms to reduce water usage. Encourage employees to report any leaks or water wastage and fix them promptly. Additionally, remind everyone to turn off faucets when not in use and only run the dishwasher when it's full.
<figure id="figure-c5iltx7c9wllbvyjkq"><img id="c5iltx7c9wllbvyjkq" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1595515925803-e3297f7bc163?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyfHxsb3ctZmxvdyUyMGZhdWNldHxlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTIwNzg1OTd8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="low-flow faucet" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure>

<h2>5. Optimize Heating and Cooling</h2>
Adjust the thermostat to conserve energy during non-working hours and set it to a comfortable yet energy-efficient temperature during working hours. Properly insulate windows and doors to prevent drafts and consider using blinds or shades to regulate natural light and temperature.
<figure id="figure-y23xko5ticllbvykyr"><img id="y23xko5ticllbvykyr" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1530389361604-f5fb2936a855?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw5fHx0aGVybW9zdGF0fGVufDB8fHx8MTY5MjA3ODU5OHww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="thermostat" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure>

<h2>6. Promote Sustainable Transportation</h2>
Encourage your employees to use eco-friendly transportation options such as carpooling, biking, or using public transportation. Provide incentives for those who choose greener commuting methods, such as preferred parking spots or reimbursement for public transportation expenses.
<figure id="figure-z0bfdo07fllbvynp3"><img id="z0bfdo07fllbvynp3" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1565207730105-110bfc60dd25?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw3fHxzdXN0YWluYWJsZSUyMHRyYW5zcG9ydGF0aW9ufGVufDB8fHx8MTY5MjA3ODYwMnww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="sustainable transportation" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure>

<h2>7. Invest in Energy-Efficient Equipment</h2>
Upgrade outdated office equipment with energy-efficient models. Look for devices with the ENERGY STAR label, which indicates that they meet strict energy efficiency standards. This includes computers, printers, copiers, and kitchen appliances.
<figure id="figure-1k0dq60uo1fllbvyq2l"><img id="1k0dq60uo1fllbvyq2l" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1473341304170-971dccb5ac1e?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHw1fHxlbmVyZ3klMjBlZmZpY2llbnQlMjBlcXVpcG1lbnR8ZW58MHx8fHwxNjkyMDc4NjA1fDA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="energy efficient equipment" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure>

<h2>8. Implement a Green Purchasing Policy</h2>
When purchasing office supplies, choose products made from recycled materials or those that are recyclable. Consider partnering with eco-friendly suppliers who prioritize sustainable practices in their manufacturing and shipping processes.
<figure id="figure-bjach9fzkbllbvyruq"><img id="bjach9fzkbllbvyruq" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1631089865903-1894c87f08d2?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyNHx8Z3JlZW4lMjBwdXJjaGFzaW5nJTIwcG9saWN5fGVufDB8fHx8MTY5MjA3ODYwN3ww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="green purchasing policy" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure>

<h2>9. Create a Green Team</h2>
Form a group of employees who are passionate about sustainability and create a green team. This team can spearhead initiatives, educate colleagues about eco-friendly practices, and continuously find new ways to make your office more environmentally friendly.
<figure id="figure-qic2zn46vpllbvyu6i"><img id="qic2zn46vpllbvyu6i" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1609182735477-55318c15b8bb?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxMnx8Z3JlZW4lMjB0ZWFtfGVufDB8fHx8MTY5MjA3ODYxMHww&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="green team" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure>

<h2>10. Educate and Raise Awareness</h2>
Regularly communicate with your employees about the importance of environmental sustainability and the progress your office is making. Share tips, success stories, and encourage everyone to contribute their ideas and suggestions. By fostering a culture of environmental consciousness, you can create a lasting impact.
<figure id="figure-zyxw1hqia4llbvywgz"><img id="zyxw1hqia4llbvywgz" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1648860475529-6321e3ef1e2d?crop=entropy&cs=tinysrgb&fit=max&fm=jpg&ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxNXx8ZW52aXJvbm1lbnRhbCUyMGF3YXJlbmVzc3xlbnwwfHx8fDE2OTIwNzg2MTN8MA&ixlib=rb-4.0.3&q=80&w=1080" alt="environmental awareness" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9"></figure>

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Hidden Costs of Cisco Smart Licensing

Cisco Smart Licensing: A Solution Looking For A Problem?

Chain Of Custody in IT

10 Ways to Make Your Office Environment More Environmenta...