HP hits at Cisco with new trade-in programme

PALO ALTO, USA: In a bid to outsmart networking gear maker Cisco, HP announced the HP Networking "A Catalyst for Change" Cisco Trade-in Promotion for US clients.

HP estimates that near $9 billion in Cisco networking equipment is approaching end of life or service in 2011.As well Read: Cisco dials first VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) call from space

HP says that the programme will enable customers to upgrade from existing complex, proprietary and expensive Cisco network gear to simpler, open standards-based HP solutions that deliver up to 66 percent lower total cost of ownership.

The "A Catalyst for Change" trade-in promotion is the first HP Networking programme to deliver upfront savings with an additional 20 percent off the list price on HP A-Series and E-Series switches.

HP Networking claims that it will offer proven interoperability with Cisco and other networking equipment. HP as well provides network planning and migration services, as so then as fast-track ExpertONE certification training.

The single vendor stronghold of the past

"Pursuant to this agreement the single vendor stronghold of the past, enterprise networks have gotten too complex, difficult to manage and expensive," said John Kissane, vice president, Americas Sales, HP Networking. "HP Networking gives organizations a choice that delivers unprecedented flexibility, performance and agility, which ultimately enables our customers to be more competitive."