Cisco Unifies Service Tiers and Introduces Cisco IQ

Cisco is simplifying its services portfolio and introducing a new support model structured into three tiers: Basic, Standard, and Signature.

The goal is to make it easier for customers to select the right level of support while providing a more modern approach to managing their Cisco environments. All three support tiers include access to the Cisco IQ platform.

Cisco Support – Basic

The foundational level of support for the day-to-day operation of Cisco technologies.

  • Access to Cisco TAC technical support
  • Software updates and upgrades
  • Asset visibility and lifecycle management
  • Security advisories and risk notifications

With its focus on essential operational support, Basic builds on the traditional product support model previously offered through Cisco Smart Net Total Care services.

 

Cisco Support – Standard

 

The Standard support tier includes all the capabilities of Basic and adds enhanced support for more complex environments.

  • Centralized coordination and management of issue resolution
  • Support across Cisco solutions and supported technologies from Cisco Solution Alliance Partners
  • Proactive insights into risks and infrastructure health
  • AI-powered insights, assessments, and recommendations

Standard builds upon the support principles previously delivered through Cisco Solution Support, extending them with greater visibility, intelligence, and operational guidance.

 

Hardware RMA

Depending on the specific product and the customer's requirements, the desired level of Advanced Hardware Replacement can be selected or added as needed.

Available Hardware RMA Service Levels:

 

Cisco IQ – A Unified Platform for Infrastructure Support and Management

Cisco IQ – A Unified Platform for Infrastructure Support and Management

Included in all three service tiers, Cisco IQ is an AI-powered platform that brings together technical support, infrastructure intelligence, analytics, and automation in a single environment.

Cisco IQ provides customers with:

  • A centralized view of devices, service coverage, and lifecycle status
  • Insights into risks, security advisories, vulnerabilities, and field notices
  • AI-powered recommendations and troubleshooting
  • Recommended software versions and configuration best practices
  • Access to technical support and service requests from a single platform

The range of available Cisco IQ capabilities varies depending on the selected service tier: Basic, Standard, or Signature.

Flexible Deployment Models

Cisco IQ supports multiple deployment models to meet an organization’s security and regulatory requirements:

  • SaaS
  • On-premises tethered (coming soon)
  • On-premises air-gapped

As a result, the platform is well suited for organizations with stringent data sovereignty requirements or those operating highly isolated environments.

 

Simpler, More Proactive Support

The combination of three clearly defined service tiers, flexible Hardware RMA options, and the Cisco IQ platform provides customers with a more streamlined and transparent support model.

At the same time, Cisco is evolving beyond the traditional break-fix approach toward a more proactive support experience, helping organizations identify and address potential risks before they impact business operations.

 

If you have any questions or would like to learn more, please do not hesitate to contact us.

 

gr-sales@alef.com