Cisco Updates Modular Catalyst Line for Performance and Manageability

| Nov 8, 2007 | Enterprise Network Systems | Competitive Intelligence Report

| Analyst: Steven Schuchart

Current Perspective: Positive
Vendor Importance: High
Market Impact: High

Event Summary

On November 6th Cisco introduced new modular Catalyst switch offerings, including the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Virtual Switching System (VSS) 1440, enabled by the Virtual Switching Supervisor Engine 720 with 10 Gigabit Ethernet. Cisco has also released a complete refresh of the Catalyst 4500 line with the new Cisco Catalyst 4500 E-Series. This includes new chassis and line cards, as well as a new supervisor engine module.

Recommended Competitor Actions

• Competitors that have a performance/density advantage such as Foundry and Force 10 Networks need to continue to press that advantage in competitive selling situations. This advantage will not last; Cisco has a history of moving to correct competitive weaknesses.

• All competitors should educate their sales associates and channel partners about Cisco’s virtualization for the Catalyst 6500. The reasons for this are twofold. First, sales associates and channel partners need to understand that two virtualized Catalyst 6500s do not equal a single switch with the same capacity. Secondly, they need to be able to answer questions regarding future switch virtualization plans for their own products.

• The age of the green data center (or at least greener data center) is upon us. All competitors need to be aware of their power consumption and heat output footprint.

• The Catalyst 4500 is a good product, but many competitors have newer mid-market modular systems that can readily compete with it, even with the refresh. Competitors should be aggressive in selling situations where they are up against the Catalyst 4500, as it has less of a competitive edge than its larger and more capable sibling, the Catalyst 6500..

Recommended End User / Customer Actions

• Catalyst 6500 customers with older supervisors should certainly consider the new supervisor modules when planning upgrades. This is especially true when it comes to customers with dual Catalyst 6500s in the data center, because a lot of value could be derived from the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Virtual Switching System 1440.

• Current Catalyst 4500 customers should use the new E-Series for all deployments going forward, as the line cards from the classic Catalyst 4500 are forward compatible with the new E-Series chassis. In addition, all new supervisors for Catalyst 4500s should be the new Supervisor Engine 6-E.

• When making a decision regarding a switch vendor, customers should take into account the high level of investment protection that Cisco provides on its switching equipment. In addition, they should make sure to challenge other competitors with Cisco’s investment protection when making a decision.

CLIENTS ONLY

Analytical Summary

Current Perspective

Competitive Positives and Concerns

Recommended Vendor Actions

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