Cisco MDS 9132T Bundles Discontinued: End-of-Sale and End-of-Life Announcement

In the ever-evolving world of networking technology, product lifecycles play a crucial role in shaping the industry landscape. Cisco Systems, a global leader in networking solutions, has recently announced the discontinuation of its MDS 9132T Bundles, marking a significant shift in their product lineup. This article delves into the details of this announcement, its implications for customers, and the future of Cisco’s storage networking solutions.

Understanding the Cisco MDS 9132T

The Cisco MDS 9132T is a high-performance 32G Fibre Channel switch designed for small to medium-sized storage area networks (SANs). Known for its reliability and scalability, this switch has been a popular choice for organizations looking to optimize their storage infrastructure. The MDS 9132T offers:

• Up to 32 32-Gbps Fibre Channel ports
• Enterprise-class availability and security features
• Compatibility with existing Cisco MDS 9000 Family switches
• Advanced traffic management capabilities

End-of-Sale and End-of-Life Announcement Details

Cisco has officially announced the end-of-sale and end-of-life dates for the MDS 9132T Bundles. Here are the key dates to be aware of:

• End-of-Sale Date: July 30, 2023
• End of Software Maintenance Releases Date: July 30, 2024
• End of Vulnerability/Security Support: July 30, 2026
• Last Date of Support: July 31, 2028

It’s important to note that these dates apply specifically to the bundled offerings of the MDS 9132T. The standalone MDS 9132T switch and its components are not affected by this announcement and will continue to be available and supported.

Impact on Customers

For organizations currently using or considering the MDS 9132T Bundles, this announcement has several implications:

• Limited time to purchase: Customers have until July 30, 2023, to place final orders for the bundled offerings.
• Support timeline: Cisco will continue to provide full support for these bundles until July 31, 2028, ensuring a smooth transition period.
• Migration planning: Organizations should start planning their migration strategies to alternative solutions or standalone MDS 9132T switches.

Alternatives and Migration Options

Cisco recommends the following alternatives for customers looking to replace or upgrade their MDS 9132T Bundles:

• Standalone Cisco MDS 9132T switches
• Cisco MDS 9148T switches for higher port density requirements
• Cisco MDS 9396T switches for enterprise-scale deployments

These options provide similar or enhanced functionality compared to the discontinued bundles, ensuring that customers can continue to meet their storage networking needs effectively.

The Future of Cisco Storage Networking

While the discontinuation of the MDS 9132T Bundles marks the end of an era for some customers, it also signals Cisco’s commitment to innovation in the storage networking space. The company continues to invest in developing cutting-edge solutions that address the evolving needs of modern data centers and cloud environments.

Some of the trends shaping Cisco’s storage networking strategy include:

• Higher-speed Fibre Channel technologies (64G and beyond)
• Enhanced automation and programmability features
• Improved integration with cloud and hybrid IT environments
• Advanced analytics and telemetry capabilities

Case Study: Successful Migration from MDS 9132T Bundles

To illustrate the practical implications of this announcement, let’s consider the case of XYZ Corporation, a mid-sized enterprise that had been using MDS 9132T Bundles for their SAN infrastructure. Upon learning of the end-of-sale announcement, XYZ’s IT team took the following steps:

1. Assessed their current and future storage networking needs
2. Evaluated alternative solutions, including standalone MDS 9132T switches and the MDS 9148T
3. Developed a phased migration plan to minimize disruption to operations
4. Implemented the new solution well before the end-of-support date

By proactively addressing the situation, XYZ Corporation was able to seamlessly transition to a more scalable and future-proof storage networking infrastructure.

Conclusion

The discontinuation of Cisco MDS 9132T Bundles represents a significant milestone in the evolution of storage networking technology. While it may pose challenges for some organizations, it also presents an opportunity to reassess and optimize storage infrastructure. By understanding the timeline, exploring alternatives, and planning ahead, customers can ensure a smooth transition and continue to benefit from Cisco’s advanced storage networking solutions.

As the industry continues to evolve, staying informed about product lifecycles and emerging technologies will be crucial for IT professionals and decision-makers. The end of the MDS 9132T Bundles is not just an end, but a beginning of new possibilities in the world of storage networking.