Is the Cisco 6500 Series invincible?

The Cisco 6500 Series has proven itself time and time again to be a mainstay in the networking industry. Cisco has done a commendable job with continued enhancements to ensure that the industry’s golden child maintains relevance. If this is the case, why do IT professionals still fear its supposedly impending obsolescence and feel pressure to upgrade to newer models? Let’s just say rumors of its demise are greatly exaggerated.

As the industry moves toward 10/40Gig and higher, the need for bandwidth and port density only increases. Software-defined networking (SDN), while certainly worthy of consideration, may not be the best option for all organizations just yet. However, the need for high-speed switching connectivity and robust services remains a concern for the here and now. Enter: The Cisco 6500 Series.
Since its birth in 1999, the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series has grown considerably in available options and bandwidth potential. The introduction of its cousin in 2013, the Cisco Catalyst 6800, is further proof of its staying power. This product line was designed to ease users into an upgrade with some degree of adaptability with existing infrastructure, including compatibility with 6500 series blades, greater throughput potential, and options for Instant Access satellite switches and other newer technology.