Forum Discussion

Pike's avatar
Pike
Level 3
12 years ago

Maintenance Contract Questions

We bought an SBS server with Backup Exec 2012 Small Business Edition early last year, now the Backup Exec maintenance license is due to expire in a couple of months and we have a few questions:

What are the exact benefits of the maintenance license (I can't seem to find that information anywhere)?

Can we still install the latest hotfixes and service packs if we don't extend the license?

Does it affect receiving support from Symantec, and if so how much support can we receive with and without a maintence license?

Thanks in advance.

2012
Backup and Recovery
Backup Exec
Licensing
  • CraigV's avatar
    CraigV
    12 years ago

    Hi,

     

    Maintenance licenses allow you to upgrade to newer versions for free, and you get official support.

    You can install HF and service packs, no worries. The core functionality of BE doesn't stop.

    You won't receive support from Symantec, or might be expected to pay for it. Your support level would depend on the level of maintenance you have with them.

    Thanks!

  • CraigV's avatar
    CraigV
    Moderator
    12 years ago

    Hi,

     

    Maintenance licenses allow you to upgrade to newer versions for free, and you get official support.

    You can install HF and service packs, no worries. The core functionality of BE doesn't stop.

    You won't receive support from Symantec, or might be expected to pay for it. Your support level would depend on the level of maintenance you have with them.

    Thanks!

  • teiva-boy's avatar
    teiva-boy
    Level 6
    12 years ago

    Without a valid support contract, a Symantec support person, wont even give you the time of day.  With a valid and current support contract, you can call into support all day long and get service.

    With valid support you can also qualifiy for upgrades to the newest version of BE like 2013 or whatever they may create in a few years.  Without, you're stuck with what you bought and have no support going forward if something breaks.

    Think about it, support is 18-22% of the list price.  That per year is still cheaper than buying new.  Why wouldn't you renew?  Some customers I run into are so short-sighted and think they will not need maintenance/support...  Unitl it breaks.  It's cheaper to renew in the long run ;-)

     

     

  • Sym-cr's avatar
    Sym-cr
    Level 5
    12 years ago

     

    About Backup Exec maintenance contract information

    Updating expired maintenance contracts

    http://www.symantec.com/docs/HOWTO74398

     

    Viewing Backup Exec maintenance contract information

     

     
    Also, for quick reference and understanding check the below mentioned link:
     
    Backup Exec 2012 displays a License and Maintenance Warning if the serial number(s) for maintenance contract(s) are not entered in the Installation Wizard.
     

     

  • King_Julien's avatar
    King_Julien
    Level 5
    12 years ago

    Not all support contract levels are covered 24x7. Some contracts are 9x5. 

     

    Regards.

  • CraigV's avatar
    CraigV
    Moderator
    12 years ago

    ...teiva-boy wasn't being literal...he was being figurative, ie. with support you can get support anytime, and obviously within the maintenance you buy!

    THanks...