Software updates for used 9300 switches?

[meetadinar]

I'd like to buy some 93108TC-FX, and Cisco's site says I need a software support agreement to download the firmware. I'm trying to understand the feasibility of buying used Cisco to replace our Dell switching gear, so I don't have a Cisco sales relationship that I can just easily get software support pricing. And I understand on used gear there may be an issue with not being able to buy software support on used gear until existing support contracts expire?

How feasible is it for me to get used Cisco equipment but get software support, and what sort of pricing would I be looking at? Any recommendations on a reseller to get the software support through? I'm looking at buying 4x of these switches (redundant pair for production, redundant pair for dev/stg as test environment).

I'm looking at the FX because it would have the most runway before being out of software support. The other option is the EX which I can just download the software from the Cisco site without needing a login.

Thanks for any pointers, I haven't done much work with Cisco gear since I was at an ISP back in the '90s...

[marce1000]

 - Advising to contact a local reseller for acquiring Service Contract (to be able to download software) , and get an idea concerning prices, 

 M.

[Leo Laohoo]

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@meetadinar wrote:
Cisco's site says I need a software support agreement to download the firmware.

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Bullsh*t.  

All 9200/9300/9400/9500/9600 purchased have free software upgrade (minor and major release) included in the price.

Cisco Catalyst IOS Software Update Program for Cisco Catalyst 9200/X, 9300/X, 9400/X, 9500/X and 9600/X Series Switches

This Program allows customers using a valid Cisco.com ID to receive the following:

●      Free critical updates:
◦    Free critical updates are available to the original customer for up to 1 year after announced end-of- support. These critical updates maintain the compliance of the Software with published specifications, release notes and industry wide compliance.
◦    Free vulnerability and security updates are available to the original customer for up to 3 years after announced end-of-sale.
◦    No support contract is required to obtain these software updates.

●      Free major and minor releases:

◦    Free major and minor release updates are available to an original customer moving from one release to another within the same perpetual license level (i.e. Cisco Network Advantage or Cisco Network Essentials).
◦    No support contract is required to obtain these releases.

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