How we use Cisco Ethernet Switches depends on the customer's requirements. We just connected Alliance switches with trans 2/4 switches in our office, and we have deployed it as a static configuration. We are not planning any other protocol for the permission and the configuration we aren't using. But for our customers, we go with the VMA architecture, networking, and Cloud Meraki and Experian from Cisco.
I think the VMA architecture is valuable.
I don't have any issues on the technical aspects, but on the business side of things, I see that almost all the Catalyst and high-grade switches are now required to have a VMA license. Sometimes businesses may not require those licenses because they are just using them as the third street.
It's a business challenge which we're facing in the Asian countries. Customers don't require a VMA environment at the moment, but it's essential to purchase a VMA license for some of the switches. It's a challenge that we're facing during sales or presales because when it comes to the competition like Cisco SSL and the others, they don't have that kind of a restriction.
If I would like to purchase a new switch, it can be a higher-end switch like a Chassis switch or a basic L2 or L3 switch—any switch where we can purchase a support bundle and install and use it. But with the VMA license, we need to activate the license, or the Ethernet switch will not perform. It won't work.
If Cisco Ethernet Switches can work both on-prem and in the cloud, it would be an advantage. Other vendors are already offering this option. It would be a great added advantage to use the same switch in standalone mode, as a local MM or VMA, and for cloud control.
I have been working with Cisco Ethernet Switches for about 12 years.
In my experience, Cisco Ethernet Switches are stable.
In my experience, Cisco Ethernet Switches are scalable.
Cisco Ethernet Switches come with good technical support. But sometimes we get engineers who aren't as knowledgeable, but we can speak to them and fix a problem within a couple of hours.
The initial setup of Cisco Ethernet Switches is very straightforward in my experience.
It's quite easy. But I think it depends on the knowledge and experience of the engineer.
We don't conduct any annual maintenance, but it's probably best to do it annually.
I would recommend Cisco Ethernet Switches to others.
On a scale from one to ten, I would give Cisco Ethernet Switches a ten.