Cisco 9500 Series License

[doc-beau]

I purchased a used Cisco C9500-48Y4C switch. By default the boot license level was set to Network Advantage and addon DNA Advantage, but both are showing EVAL Mode when I run 'show license status'. When I attempted to register switch, Smart license shows both as out of compliance. I set boot license level to essential and received same Out of Compliance result. I understand that DNA is subscription based (3,5 or 7 year) but Network Advantage or Essential should be perpetual licenses. Do I have to purchase new license for the used switch? 

[Enes Simnica]

Yeah, Cisco licensing can be painful with used gear. Those EVAL mode licenses mean the previous owner never released them properly from their Cisco account. Even perpetual licenses stay locked to the original buyer. DNA subscriptions are worse, they disappear completely when resold. In my opinion u’ve got three choices: hassle the seller to transfer licenses (tough LOL), buy new ones (expensive), or ride out the 90-day eval period (temporary). 

Good luck G

-Enes

[doc-beau]

Thanks for the info. This has been a good learning curve. From what I understand, the license will become "out of compliance" at end of EVAL period, but functionality will remain.  It appears Cisco is taking great effort to eliminate the grey market of used hardware. That's sad as many small enterprises rely on that market. My future purchases will require proof of license transfer. Further research indicates I could purchase a Network Advantage license for around $4-5K. I don't need the DNA features, so I could drop that.