Cisco Smart License

A revolutionary, adaptable, and centralized licensing solution, Cisco Smart License was created to simplify the administration of Cisco hardware and software. Cisco Smart License gives businesses real-time visibility and control over their licenses by automating the entire process, in contrast to traditional right-to-use (RTU) licenses that need manual tracking and activation. This system is perfect for dynamic IT environments because it guarantees compliance, improves security, and makes renewals easier.

Traditional Licensing vs Cisco Smart Licensing

For businesses that oversee numerous Cisco hardware and software platforms, including routers, switches, firewalls, and collaboration tools, Cisco Smart License is ideal. Smart Licensing gives you the flexibility and transparency you need to maximize your Cisco investments, regardless of how big your data center is or how quickly your business is expanding.

Cisco Smart License Features

For network administrators and IT managers, Cisco Smart License provides an extensive feature set aimed at optimizing productivity and security. Organizations can monitor, assign, and manage all of their Cisco licenses from a single dashboard by utilizing a centralized Cisco Smart Account.

Cisco Smart License for routers switches firewalls

You can use a single Cisco Smart Account to manage Cisco Smart License for routers, switches, firewalls and collaboration platforms.

Cisco Smart Account and Smart Software Manager (CSSM)

All entitlements are tracked centrally in your Cisco Smart Account and Smart Software Manager (CSSM) dashboard.

Key Features:

• Centralized Management:
  All licenses are managed through a single Cisco Smart Account, enabling streamlined oversight and simplified administration.
• Automated Compliance:
  Smart License continuously monitors license usage, ensuring your organization remains compliant without manual intervention.
• Seamless Integration:
  Compatible with a wide range of Cisco products, including routers, switches, firewalls, and collaboration solutions.
• Scalability:
  Easily scales with your organization’s growth, supporting everything from small offices to global enterprises.
• Enhanced Security:
  Provides real-time security updates and ensures the latest features are always available.

With Cisco Smart Licensing and products like Cisco ISE License, you can start small and pay as you grow, adding new nodes, features and users as your security and compliance requirements expand instead of over-licensing from day one.

Cisco Smart License Types

To meet the various operational requirements of contemporary businesses, Cisco provides a wide variety of Smart License types. Choosing the appropriate kind guarantees your Cisco environment’s flexibility, compliance, and smooth integration.

Main Cisco Smart License Types:

• Smart License (Online):
  Requires an active internet connection for real-time synchronization with Cisco’s licensing portal. This is ideal for organizations seeking automated compliance and centralized control across all Cisco devices.
• Permanent License Reservation (PLR):
  For air-gapped or highly secure networks, Cisco Smart Licensing for air-gapped networks with PLR lets you activate licenses once and keep devices compliant without internet access.
• Specific License Reservation (SLR):
  Cisco Specific License Reservation (SLR) for offline environments is ideal when security policy blocks any direct connectivity to Cisco Smart Licensing servers.
• Smart License Using Policy (SLP):
  Smart Licensing Using Policy (SLP) for large enterprises simplifies reporting by letting devices operate based on pre-defined policies and sending periodic usage reports.

How Cisco Smart Licensing Works

This section explains how Cisco Smart Licensing works from Smart Account creation to device registration in CSSM.vChoosing between online Smart Licensing, PLR, SLR or SLP can be confusing when you have many Cisco products and security constraints. Net Horizon helps you:

1. Map existing PAK licenses to their Smart Licensing equivalents.
2. Design Smart Accounts, Virtual Accounts and CSSM On-Prem if required
3. Plan migration windows so production routers, switches and firewalls stay compliant.
4. Implement Cisco Smart Licensing design and troubleshooting services for ongoing operations.

Ready to migrate from traditional PAK to Cisco Smart Licensing or size a new deployment? Contact Net Horizon to review your environment and get a tailored Cisco Smart License quote and design.

Cisco Smart License Ordering

Are you prepared to maximize your network’s potential and simplify the management of your Cisco licenses? For information on Cisco Smart License costs, special deals, and customized solutions for your company, get in touch with us right now. NetHorizon guides you step-by-step to migrate from traditional PAK to Cisco Smart Licensing without disrupting production devices.