Welcome to the first edition of our quarterly equipment update. The purpose of
this update is to inform you of periodic changes to equipment and ordering processes
that are not time sensitive. Time-sensitive changes will be communicated as
necessary
Order Fulfillment Process for U.S. Academies
The order fulfillment partner for U.S. Academy equipment orders is currently
SIGMAnet. SIGMAnet can fulfill new orders for hardware and SMARTnet and renew
SMARTnet contracts. SIGMAnet and Cisco are working together to improve all areas
of the purchase of new SMARTnet contracts or contract renewals. Recent improvements
to the internal SMARTnet fulfillment process allow SIGMAnet to provide new contract
numbers and invoicing for contracts within a few days of product shipment. Contract
renewals take more time, primarily due to the requirement for Academies to provide
documentation granting SIGMAnet access to view existing contracts and the verification
of serial numbers eligible for coverage.
SIGMAnet is committed to improving the level of service provided to Academy customers. The following service-level commitments are offered:
| Inquiry Type |
Response Time |
Deliverable |
Dependencies |
| Voicemail message |
Within 1 business day |
Acknowledgement of inquiry receipt, with request for additional information
if necessary, and expectation for completion |
Based on current volume of 20-40 calls and 3 voicemails per day |
| New hardware/SMARTnet quote request |
Within 2 business days |
Completed quote |
Based on receipt of complete and specific customer requirements |
| SMARTnet renewal quote request |
Within 2 business days | Competed quote |
Based on receipt of complete and correct information from customer, including serial number verification, and no contract access issues |
| Order processing |
Within 2 business days |
Order processed and confirmation sent |
Assumes no follow up on incomplete/incorrect info on PO |
| RFQ request by mail |
Within 4 business days |
Response mailed back to customer |
Efforts to Add SIGMAnet as an Approved Vendor to State Contracts
In an effort to facilitate an Academy’s ability to purchase through SIGMAnet,
we are working with the Cisco field and channel sales organizations to add SIGMAnet
to state contracts wherever possible. SIGMAnet has been successfully added to
the Florida and New York state contracts. Other states that we are working with
are Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Iowa, Mississippi, Ohio, Pennsylvania,
and Washington.
Academy 871 Router Promotion Ends July 28, 2006
SIGMAnet is currently offering the 871 router at a promotional price of $250
and the 871W router for $300 to all Academies and students in the United States.
SIGMAnet will accept orders until July 28, 2006. Academies can order a maximum
of ten of each router. Students may order one of each router.
To take advantage of this offer, follow these steps:
- Log in to Academy Connection
- Visit Academy Marketplace in the Resources menu on the right
- Select Hardware and Software
- Click the Cisco Systems logo
- Click the Cisco 871 Router Promotion icon
- Use the Order Now button at the bottom of the page to access the order form
Equipment Update for CCNA, CCNP, and Network Security
Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series Intelligent Ethernet Switches have been added to
the equipment bundles for CCNA, CCNP, and Network Security. Learn
how to access updated equipment bundle lists on Academy Connection.
Use NETLAB AE to Remotely Access Adtran-Enabled Lab Topologies
Academies that own NETLAB Academy Edition (AE) should consider purchasing ADTRAN
equipment to host remote access by Academies. The ADTRAN device can be added
to a NETLAB AE pod to complete labs as needed. Availability of the ADTRAN-enabled
pod can be listed at www.netdevgroup.com/ae/sharing
to allow Academies to access Cisco Networking Academy training equipment remotely
through the Internet. The hosting Academy determines the sharing model.
NETLAB AE is a server appliance designed to allow Cisco Networking Academies to host equipment on the Internet. To learn more about NETLAB AE, visit www.netdevgroup.com.
New NETLAB AE Topologies with Remote PCs
NETLAB AE now supports lab topologies with remote PCs. NETLAB AE features equipment
pod types that map to the labs found in the Cisco Networking Academy Program
curricula. You may host up to ten equipment pods on a single NETLAB AE system.
The equipment pods are accessible through the Internet.
NETLAB AE is a server appliance designed to allow Cisco Networking Academies to host equipment on the Internet. To learn more about NETLAB AE visit www.netdevgroup.com.
Helpful Resources
- CCNA Ver.3.x IOS Software Guidelines can be accessed from your Academy Connection homepage in the Tools section within each CCNA course listing.
- Lab Configuration and Pricing Guides may be accessed from your Academy Connection homepage in the Course Catalog section and choosing the appropriate course
- Cost Calculators may be accessed from your Academy Connection homepage by clicking Read More in the Course Catalog section and choosing the appropriate course.
Please forward suggestions for inclusion in future quarterly equipment updates to Debi Hallman.