Module 5: Software Support

Cisco IOS Software

When a customer buys a hardware device from Cisco or one of its authorized dealers, that customer owns the device for its useful lifetime. Included in each device that a customer purchases is the Cisco Internetworking Operating Systems (Cisco IOS) software that is the “living heart” of all Cisco devices. Cisco IOS Software is licensed for a specific release and feature set. This software is licensed (not sold) to the customer, and can only be used on the purchased device in accordance with the Cisco End-User license agreement.

Cisco IOS Software is today’s most widely deployed network systems software. Cisco IOS software can be updated to provide a wide range of support capabilities from basic connectivity, security, and network management features to technically advanced service that enable businesses to deploy applications such as real-time trading and interactive support, on-demand media, and unified messaging.

Furthermore, in many cases these capabilities can be added without any need to modify hardware.

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