Software Support for 6500 without SMARTnet

[marketing-stuff]

I have a customer that has many 6509E that are out of maintenance.  They need to purchase a new WS-C6148E-GE-AT modules.  This module requires IOS 12.2(33)SXI4 at a minimum.  They are not at that version on their 6509E. 

I cannot find anything regarding the software policy for this type of situation.  When they buy the new modules, are they entitled to an IOS version of the same feature set licensed on the chassis that will support the newer module?  If so how do they get to it to download?

Unfortunately re-instating SMARTnet on the chassis is not an option for budgetary reasons. 

[shah · Accepted solution]

Hello Paul,

Buying the module does not entitle the customer to the supervisor version to support it.

Without a Cisco Smartnet contract, the customer will have to buy the 6500 spare CD to allow upgrade to support this.

This will come with the standard cost for software.

e.g. IP Services is $10,000

Here is the part number and link:

6500-SW-SPARECD

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/switches/ps5718/ps708/prod_bulletin0900aecd806780a3.html

Please note that 12.2(33)SXI is end of sale, so the customer will have to buy 12.2(33)SXJ

SXI EoL announcement:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/switches/ps5718/ps708/eol_c51-697077.html