In my previous post it was mentioned that several features in the 5.0 software release for the Ethernet Routing Switch 8600 now require an Advanced License similar to the Ethernet Routing Switch 5500 series. A great many hardware manufacturers started doing this a long time ago and it was inevitable that Nortel would follow suite. Nortel needs to be competitive with other products so licensing various features allows it to lower the initial product pricing making it competitive on both feature and pricing. Nortel will grandfather existing ERS 8600 switches that have a valid support contract. It’s also important that I point out there are three licenses available for the ERS 8600 switch; Basic, Advanced, and Premier.
I still need to clarify with Nortel but I don’t believe the grandfather clause will cover the “Premier license” features.
Here’s a portion of the bulletin;
Background:
As of July 1, 2008, access to advanced features on the Nortel Ethernet Routing Switch 8600 software release 5.0 are subject to the Advanced Feature License and require a valid License file. The license file contains a key to unlock licensed features. For additional information about Licensing, please see Nortel Ethernet Routing Switch 8600 Administration NN46205-605.
Customers who have purchased an Ethernet Routing Switch 8600 prior to July 1, 2008 are eligible for a Grandfathered Advanced License. This license provides access to advanced Ethernet Routing Switch 8600 software release 5.0 features. The Grandfathered Advanced License option will be made available until July 1, 2009. After that date, the Grandfathering option will not be available and customers will need to purchase an appropriate license. The special Grandfathered Advanced License file will be made available and is restricted to only end-users and partners with a current, valid support contract that have previously purchased an Ethernet Routing Switch 8600. End-users and partners are always encouraged to purchase a support contract.
The Grandfathered Advanced License option has all the same capabilities as a currently purchased Advanced License (P/N DS1410023). This license also provides support for all future Advanced License features.
Analysis:
The Grandfathered Advanced License file offer is only in effect for the Ethernet Routing Switch 8600 product family: Licensees who have purchased an Ethernet Routing Switch 8600 prior to July 1, 2008 are eligible for a Grandfathered Advanced License. This license will support all existing and future Advanced License features. This Grandfathered License will be available until July 1, 2009. Existing End-users who purchased Ethernet Routing Switch 8600 prior to July 1, 2008, and do not have a valid Support Contract, are requested to contact their local Nortel sales representative (or authorized Nortel products reseller) to purchase a license.
I’ve placed a copy of the full bulletin, A special Grandfathered access to Advanced License file for the Ethernet Routing Switch 8600 series on July 1, 2008, on my website for everyone to review.
I will follow up to this post when I learn more details, or actually try to register a switch with Nortel to retreive the license.
Cheers!