Articles by tag "network hardware procurement"

1. What Is EOL and EOS in Enterprise Networking — And Why Hardware Buyers Should Care
   Selene Gong

   37
   In enterprise IT procurement, the word “cheap” often hides the most expensive mistakes. Network hardware that looks cost-effective on paper can quickly become a liability if it is nearing the end of its official support lifecycle. Understanding End of Sale (EOS) and End of Life (EOL) is not ...
2. Risks of Running EOL Cisco Switches in Production Networks
   Selene Gong

   33
   Running End of Life (EOL) Cisco switches is a reality for many enterprise and SMB networks. In practice, these devices often appear “stable” and may continue forwarding traffic for years. The real issue is not immediate failure, but the long-term security, operational, and compliance risks ...
3. How to Verify New and Original Cisco Hardware (Avoid Refurbished Scams)
   Selene Gong

   30
   In enterprise networking, buying Cisco hardware is not just about performance—it’s about trust and authenticity. Devices sold as “brand new” may actually be: Refurbished units relabeled as new Gray-market imports with unclear sourcing Or even counterfeit hardware What makes this ...