Cisco SMARTnet Solution Support - Extended Service for UCS

This Cisco SMARTnet Solution Support — Extended Service delivers robust protection for your UCS infrastructure with around-the-clock coverage, fast parts exchange, and both physical and electronic protection. Designed to preserve uptime and maximize the value of your Cisco UCS investment, it provides dependable, enterprise-grade support that helps you maintain performance, minimize downtime, and streamline IT operations. With 24x7x4 response, you gain peace of mind from Cisco’s renowned technical expertise, rapid dispatch, and a streamlined process that keeps your UCS systems running smoothly in demanding data center environments.

• 24x7x4 coverage with rapid parts exchange for UCS environments — Around-the-clock access to Cisco support with a four-hour response and parts exchange ensures critical UCS components such as servers, chassis, and related devices are restored quickly, reducing planned outages and unplanned downtime.
• Physical and electronic protection — The extended service provides replacement for failed hardware (physical) along with electronic protection, including access to software and firmware updates, and troubleshooting guidance from Cisco engineers to keep your UCS stack current and secure.
• Proactive reliability and rapid problem resolution — With proactive diagnostics and escalation to Cisco’s Technical Assistance Center (TAC), issues are identified early, enabling faster remediation and improved system reliability across your UCS platform.
• Seamless integration with the UCS ecosystem — The service is designed to work in harmony with Cisco Unified Computing System deployments, simplifying alignment with existing licenses, warranties, and related Cisco support contracts for a unified support experience.
• Global reach and scalable coverage — Whether you operate a single data center or multiple campuses, this extended service scales to support diverse UCS environments, with consistent service levels and predictable budgeting across regions.

Technical Details of Cisco SMARTnet Solution Support - Extended Service

• Service Subtype: Physical and Electronic protection that covers both hardware replacements and software/firmware support within the UCS portfolio.
• Response and repair terms: 24 x 7 x 4 hour exchange/fulfillment window to minimize downtime and accelerate device recovery for eligible UCS components.
• Coverage scope: Exchange service for eligible components; access to Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) for fault diagnosis, guidance, and remediation planning.
• Eligibility and entitlement: Applies to Cisco UCS servers, chassis, network and storage components as defined in the service contract; requires valid entitlement and activation.
• Delivery and logistics: On-site or express shipment for replacement parts or devices according to the contract, with logistics aligned to stock availability and regional service capabilities.

how to install Cisco SMARTnet Solution Support - Extended Service

• Step 1 — Purchase and attach entitlement: Acquire the Extended Service plan through Cisco or an authorized partner and attach it to eligible UCS hardware in your inventory so coverage can be applied to the correct devices.
• Step 2 — Gather device details: Provide serial numbers, model names, and the scope of coverage to ensure accurate alignment with your UCS environment and to expedite eligibility checks.
• Step 3 — Activate in the service portal: Register the contract in your Cisco service portal or through your partner portal to activate coverage and enable access to TAC resources, alerts, and claim processing.
• Step 4 — Validate contact and escalation data: Confirm primary and secondary contact details, escalation paths, and preferred dispatch locations so Cisco can reach you quickly during incidents.
• Step 5 — Prepare for ongoing management: Establish monitoring and alerting workflows within your UCS management framework, and define maintenance windows to coordinate proactive service actions and potential upgrades under SMARTnet.

Frequently asked questions

• Q: What does 24x7x4 mean in Cisco SMARTnet Extended Service? A: It signifies around-the-clock access to support with a four-hour response/fulfillment window for eligible issues, ensuring rapid repair or replacement to minimize downtime in your UCS environment.
• Q: What does Exchange - Parts include? A: Exchange coverage means Cisco ships replacement hardware or parts to restore service quickly, with the cost of covered parts included in the contract terms, reducing downtime and repair cycles.
• Q: Does this service cover software and firmware updates? A: Yes, subject to the defined terms of the service contract, SMARTnet Extended Service provides access to technical support for software and firmware updates as part of ongoing coverage and problem resolution assistance.
• Q: Is the service suitable for both small and large UCS deployments? A: Absolutely. The extended service is scalable and designed to support a wide range of UCS environments, from compact configurations to expansive data-center ecosystems.
• Q: How do I obtain and activate this service? A: Purchase the Extended Service via Cisco or an authorized partner, attach it to eligible UCS hardware, and activate it through the Cisco service portal or your partner portal to begin coverage and TAC access.
• Q: What regions are covered by this service? A: The service is designed for global coverage to support multinational organizations; specifics depend on the contract and regional service capabilities provided by Cisco and its partners.