Smart Software Licensing

A new way to think about software licensing

Smart Account
A Smart Account is used to create users and groups, and organize licenses according to your business needs.

Smart Licensing
At the core is Smart Licensing, a flexible approach that streamlines the management of your software licenses.

Cisco Smart Software Manager (CSSM)
CSSM is an intuitive portal where you can activate and manage all your Cisco licenses.

ZK Research white paper: How to get the most out of your infrastructure investments with Smart Licensing

Read how Cisco is changing its approach to software licensing and how it’s significantly more flexible than traditional licensing models.

What makes Smart Licenses different?

Classic Licenses:

Limited view

Customers often do not know what licenses they own.

PAK registration

Customers must manually register each device with a product activation key.

Device-specific

Licenses are specific to only one device.

Smart Licenses:

Complete view

Software, services, and devices are all visible in an easy-to-use portal.

Easy registration

No product activation keys (PAKs) needed. Activation is easy and software is ready to use.

Company-specific

Flexible licensing with use across all devices.

Deployment options for different security profiles

Direct

Direct cloud access with Cisco Smart Software Manager (CSSM).

On-premises

On-premises access with Cisco Smart Software Manager satellite.

Offline

Offline access through License Reservation.

Recommended for you

Smart Licensing podcast

In this episode of Cisco Champion Radio with Cisco’s Donnie Savage and Cisco Champion host Daren Fulwell you’ll learn everything you need to know about Smart Licensing.

Smart Licensing Deployment Options white paper

Learn how Smart Licensing works, why it’s important and what deployment options are available.

Smart Licensing: Five Myths Debunked blog

Smart Licensing provides insight into software license ownership and consumption. Take a look at five myths and the truth behind them.

Smart Accounts are foundational to Smart Licensing

To use Smart Licensing, you must first set up a Cisco Smart Account.

Smart Enabled Product Families

See product overview, features, and behaviors specific to Smart Licensing.

View Smart License documentation by product

Choose product family: