The Sophos XG Series firewall appliances will be end-of-life on March 31, 2025. With the launch of our new XGS Series desktop hardware and Sophos Firewall v21, there’s never been a better time to migrate onto the best network protection.
Smoothing the Way for an Early Transition to XGS
The XG subscription expiry date is the main driver of the refresh timeline for XG customers transitioning to XGS. We’re now introducing a flexible, customer-centric approach for early renewals that empowers customers to align the timing of their migration with their unique business needs and operational priorities.
On November 07, 2024, we will introduce new functionality for early renewal transactions only that will grant customers early access to the license purchased on their XGS appliance. This free early access period on XGS will start from the date the order is processed and run concurrently with the remaining term of the XG license, ensuring a seamless transition.
This streamlined process, with just a single license key, allows customers to proactively refresh their security infrastructure at a time that suits their schedule and resources, unlocking the advanced capabilities of the XGS platform without the typical logistical and operational hurdles.
This all comes at no extra cost, has no impact on the remaining term of the XG license, and does not require any change to what your customer orders.
Example Scenario
Customer/Partner benefits
This represents a significant added value for any customer who is willing or able to renew early and gives you greater flexibility to plan your resources:
- It removes the dependency on the XG expiry date:
- Customers gain control over the timing of the refresh, for example, in a school district, that could be during the holidays
- Partners gain greater flexibility to plan migration resources and spread their workload in the runup to the XG EOL
- It provides early access to the upgraded capabilities of the XGS appliance
- You and your customers can schedule more time for setup and testing
- It unlocks access to new features, e.g., in SFOS v21, that can’t be installed on an XG appliance
- It offers an incentive to refresh earlier
- There is no impact on the remaining term of the XG appliance
- There is no added cost for the early access, which is automatically activated for eligible renewals once the license key is applied
The frequently asked questions below answer many of the most common queries you may have, but please refer to the Quick Reference Guide for the step-by-step process.
More Compelling Reasons to Migrate Early: How You Benefit
As a partner, if you refresh your customers this calendar year, you can also still benefit from the XGS Deal Reg Booster for eligible deals to earn an extra 10% margin.
Plus, there are even more compelling reasons for your customers to upgrade: brand-new XGS desktop hardware models, the exciting Sophos Firewall v21 release, our extended and expanded promos and easy migration tools – to name just a few.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which deals qualify for the overlapping entitlement?
Early renewal product transitions from XG to XGS only.
Which deals DO NOT qualify for the overlapping entitlement?
The following are not eligible:
- New, Amend & Extend, on-time or late renewals
- Transitions from SG to XGS or XGS to XGS
- MSP Flex XG to XGS transitions
Will this be retroactively applied to early renewal transactions completed before the availability?
No, we can only offer this for transactions processed once the functionality is available.
How is the license shown in Sophos Central and the Firewall admin console after key activation?
The license will show the full term, including the early access period.
What happens to the XG license after the customer does an early renewal to XGS?
The XG license is unaffected and will run until its original expiry date.
Does this affect the XGS hardware warranty period?
The normal rules apply but will also include the early access period:
- If no subscription running on the XGS includes Enhanced Support, the 12-month basic warranty period will start at the provisioning date
- If there is a subscription on the XGS that includes Enhanced Support, the enhanced warranty cover will be for the entire term of the subscription (free early access period + paid term)
Can changes be made to the renewed contract before the end of the free early access period?
No, you can only make changes (Amend or Amend & Extend) once the early access period ends and the paid term has begun.
IMPORTANT: Any such future requirements must be clarified in advance, as you will otherwise have to wait until the early access period has ended.
Will this affect future Amend & Extend transactions during the XGS subscription period?
Yes, the allowance will be based on the entire term that the customer will have the subscription (early access period + paid term)
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