NEC SV9100 End Of Life Notice
NEC has announced that they will be ending both hardware and software support on their SV9100 on-premises telephone system platform. This End of Life (EoL) notice follows traditional technology industry 4-7 year product lifecycles.
The table below highlights key milestones in the End of Life (EoL) support that system owners should be aware of, including warranty, cessation of hardware sales and remaining software support.
Key EoL Support Timelines
Answers to Commonly Asked Questions
Below are some answers to commonly asked questions on how this announcement could affect your business.
Q: Why is this happening
A: Your phone system is like any other piece of technology hardware. Over time, the technology advances and newer feature demands and capabilities require different software and more processing power. Manufacturers must adopt newer capabilities to satisfy market demands. In the process of doing so, the older models become discontinued and eventually obsolete.
To put this in perspective, the manufacturing timeline for an Applie iPhone is approx 1 year with an average supported lifespan of 6 years (before Apple ends iOS software and security updates). The NEC SV9100 has been in production since 2014 giving it an unprecedented 10 year manufacturing lifespan and 16 year supported timeline. That's almost unheard of from any technology company.
Q: Will TCI still support us?
A: TCI is committed to supporting our customers to the best of our ability as we have since our beginning in 1983, but there are several factors to consider when it comes to support. TCI will still be able to assist with basic programming, moves, adds, and changes, except in instances where new or replacement hardware is required if that hardware is unavailable. If service issues require NEC manufacturer support, system owners will need to maintain Software Assurance on their systems to obtain NEC support. TCI cannot interface with NEC on your behalf without Software Assurance.
Q: Can I still get new or replacement hardware?
A: No new hardware will be sold by NEC after 12/31/24. TCI maintains a limited stock of SV9100 hardware on hand and we do not plan on purchasing speculative inventory to keep on hand. This will be available on a first come, first serve basis. We anticipate that some aftermarket new and used stock hardware will be available for a short duration of time after the end of manufacturing. Replacement for defective hardware from NEC will be limited to hardware covered by warranty only.
Q: Can we still purchase licenses for new additions?
A: Yes. The software license portal is available until 3/31/30 which will mean that additional licenses can be purchased through that date to support hardware or software add-ons that require licensing. Exceptions to this are licenses for CP-10 CPUs. Support for the CP-10 CPU will end 12/31/2025.
Q: Do We Need Software Assurance?
A: We highly recommend that all customers have software assurance. At a very basic level, Software Assurance allows TCI to interface with NEC for advanced technical support issues on your behalf. NEC will not assist in technical support for your system without it. Software assurance also enables any peripheral software programs and applications that interface with your NEC SV9100 to be updated to the latest versions as needed to support operating system changes, for example supporting applications running on Windows 10 to work on Windows 11. If you are using softphones, call reporting software, or other UC desktop software, Software Assurance will likely be needed to maintain system functionality when Windows 10 support ends in 2025.
Q: My system is still under warranty and we have Software Assurance. What does this mean for us?
A: Your hardware warranty and Software Assurance will still be honored through the duration of its term. Your ability to expand your system may be limited by equipment availability after 12/31/2024. You can purchase additional years of Software Assurance until 12/31/2025 that would enable you to extend your Software Assurance term until 2030.
Q: Our Software Assurance has expired or will expire after the EoL timeline. Can we renew?
A: You can purchase additional years of Software Assurance until 12/31/2025 for systems with the CP-20 CPU that would enable you to extend your Assurance term until 2030. CP-10 CPU support ends 12/31/2025 with no ability to extend software assurance beyond 12/31/2025.
Q: What does this really mean for us?
A: For systems purchased 2022 or later with a CP-20 CPU - If you don't have any plans to hire new employees or expand your business, you should be okay for another few years with your existing hardware warranty and Software Assurance. If you are using software peripherals with any CPU version and want to maintain that functionality, then you will need to make sure that you have software assurance in place.
A: For systems purchased prior to 2022 with either a CP-20 or CP-10 CPU - If you have an earlier CP-10 version CPU, your support will effectively end sooner at the 12/31/2025 date. If your SV9100 was purchased prior to 2022 or you plan on growing your business, you may want to think about upgrading to a cloud-based VoIP system.
Q: What's next?
A: What's next is actually "What's Now." Cloud based VoIP phone systems have been on the market for over 7 years now and they are tested and proven. There are a multitude of advantages of moving to the cloud, including reducing technology obsolescence like you are experiencing with your SV9100 premise-based phone system. Cloud based systems can be less expensive to deploy and offer significantly more advanced features and functionality that really drive ROI for businesses of all sizes.
Need More Information?
We understand that this announcement may still leave you with some questions. If you would like to speak with us in more detail about how this End of Life notice will affect your business and what your options are for the future, please submit the contact form and one of our representatives will reach out to you to discuss the announcement and your options in more detail.
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Why You Need Cloud VoIP
The industry trend has been moving towards the cloud for the last 10 years with a rapid acceleration in the last 5 years. On premise telephone system manufacturers have been leaving the market, moving to develop their own cloud products, partnering with existing cloud providers, or going out of business.
As your local technology expert, TCI has partnered with over 30 of the top cloud providers to help you find the best cloud-based solution for your business. Our consultative approach utilizes our decades of industry experience and ensures that your business gets the Best Features at the Best Price.
The cloud delivers better features, faster development, more advancements, and a significant ROI for most businesses. If you would like to find out why your next phone system should be Cloud Based VoIP, contact us today or click the button below to learn more.
