Navigating the Waters of Cisco Meraki Updates: A Guide for Nonprofits

Understanding Meraki's End-of-Life Announcements

First things first, let's talk about what it means when your Meraki equipment reaches its "End-of-Life." Picture this: Meraki decides to retire a product from their lineup. They'll announce this with an EOL statement, detailing the critical dates to keep in mind—the last day they'll sell the product (End-of-Sale), the final day of support (End-of-Support), and the shiny new replacement model ready to take its place.

What's crucial to understand is that while your device won't immediately turn into a fancy paperweight post-End-of-Sale, its days are numbered. You can still renew its license and it will function as intended, but there's no promise it'll work flawlessly until the end of time. The End-of-Support date usually hits about 5-7 years after sales cease, and beyond this, your device might disconnect unexpectedly.

To give you an idea, 2024 saw several EOL announcements from Cisco Meraki, including updates to the Z3, Z3C, MR70, and various mounting kits. A host of others spanning the MX, MS, MR, and MV series are set to go End-of-Support in 2024.

 
Below is a list of the most common End-of-Life or near End-of-Life devices that our nonprofit clients have in their network: 

For the full rundown and replacement models, peek at Meraki's EOL Product Page.

License Renewals Made Easy

Now, onto the second beacon of guidance: license renewals. Traditionally, Meraki co-term license renewals were straightforward – one license key for all your renewals. Recently, Cisco has adjusted this approach, and you might now receive several keys for a single renewal. But fear not, we're here to demystify the process.

Start by claiming the first license key on your Meraki dashboard as a "renewal." For any subsequent keys, select the "Add devices/license more devices" option. This two-step process ensures all your equipment stays licensed and operational without any hiccups.

We're Here to Help

We understand these changes can be a bit overwhelming, especially when you've got a mission to focus on. Whether it's making sense of the latest EOL announcements or navigating the new license renewal process, our team of trained Meraki engineers is at your service. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need help reviewing your dashboard, creating an upgrade plan, or simply claiming your licenses.

In the vast sea of technology updates, consider us your trusty navigators. Let's ensure your nonprofit continues to thrive with the most reliable and up-to-date equipment. After all, smooth seas never made for skilled sailors, but with the right crew, you're guaranteed to reach your destination.

Cisco Meraki Updates for Nonprofits Conclusion

In conclusion, navigating the updates and transitions in Cisco Meraki's product lineup, especially in light of End-of-Life (EOL) announcements and the evolving process of license renewals, is crucial for nonprofits aiming to maintain an efficient and uninterrupted network infrastructure. Understanding the implications of EOL can significantly mitigate potential disruptions, ensuring that your organization continues to leverage the cutting-edge benefits of Cisco Meraki's solutions. Additionally, adapting to the new license renewal protocol is vital in keeping your network devices fully operational and secure.

For nonprofits, staying informed and proactive in managing network equipment updates is not just about technical maintenance; it's about safeguarding the connectivity that powers your mission-critical operations. Whether it's through upgrading to the latest models or navigating the license renewal process, the goal is to ensure your network remains a robust foundation for your organization's important work.

Remember, you're not navigating these waters alone. Our team of Meraki experts is here to guide you through every update, every EOL announcement, and every license renewal. We're committed to ensuring that your journey with Cisco Meraki is as smooth and beneficial as possible, enabling your nonprofit to thrive in a digitally connected world. Let us be your compass in the vast ocean of network technology, and together, we'll chart a course for success.