Cisco Lengthens Server Quote Validity Amid Market Volatility
Cisco Systems is shaking up the server market by extending its compute price protection and quote validity to 14 days. This move comes as a response to the growing competition from Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) and Dell, both of which have recently guaranteed price quotes on compute, storage, and infrastructure below the $1 million mark.
The change is effective since August 16 and aims to give customers more time with their deals, allowing them to move through approvals and maintain momentum throughout the quarter. According to a recent email from Cisco SVP Tim Coogan, the previous seven-day quote validity had been 'difficult to work with in a market moving this quickly.'
However, not all partners are pleased with the change. One unnamed executive claimed that Cisco has consistently been the most restrictive with terms and conditions for its Unified Computing System (UCS), making it less relevant in the channel.