I did a bit of research into this, including a call to Cisco Pre-Sales. We had a customer who was interested in the 1200 but was a bit leery about deploying the first IOS release for a product. We didn't want them to be roped into having to do a fork lift upgrade later on to upgrade from VxWorks to IOS.
What I found out was as follows:
1) Currently, whether you go with IOS or VxWorks, you get the same functionality.
2) Currently, IOS 1200s can not run VxWorks and VxWorks 1200s can not run IOS. Hence, this is what Cisco means in the release notes when they say 12.2(8) JA must be loaded on platforms "configured at the factory to run Cisco IOS".
3) There are different part numbers to differentiate between the two platforms. See the link posted previously to make sure you order the right one!
4) As always, Cisco is reluctant to discuss future products. But, off the record, my information is that Cisco will _probably_ make an IOS field upgrade available for VxWorks 1200 platforms later this year, maybe in 6 months or so.
5) Also, off the record, the IOS field upgrades will _probably_ be covered by SmartNet. But, I wouldn't take this as gospel until if and when Cisco makes an official announcement.
Ray W.
