BCM upgrade kit vs. keycode? 1

[PainOfDeath]

I need someone to clarify this for me. I want to upgrade our BCM 400 from 3.6 to 4.0. I have never done a BCM upgrade before but I want to do this one myself. However I see two part numbers from Nortel related to this upgrade:

NTAB3603 - BCM 3.6 to 4.0 Software Upgrade Kit

NTKC0254 - BCM Upgrade BCM3.6 to BCM4.0 Software Upgrade
Authorization Code

I see these for sale from various vendors for about $7-800 each. What exactly is the difference between the two? Do I need to purchase both to complete the upgrade?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[acewarlock]

My main question is, why do you want to upgrade to 4.0? is there something on 4.0 you can't live without. I have a network of 60 BCM's all on 3.6 and I can't see any reason to spend $400 per site to upgrade. If it ain't Broke, Don't Fix It.

If you still decide to upgrade, you are going to need a vendor to regenerate your exisiting 3.6 Keycodes to the 4.0 as they won't work unless you do.

 

[PainOfDeath]

I don't have a network of BCMs, only one - but we may be getting more BCMs, probably BCM50s, on the 2.0 platform.

My question remains unanswered - anyone?

 

[biv343]

Upgrade kit includes the auth code and the CDs. You can buy just the auth code once you have the CDs and save a few bucks. I also believe you can download the upgrade images from Nortel's website if you have access.

 

[PainOfDeath]

Thanks for the help biv.

And to acewarlock, a prime reason for upgrading (for me, anyway) is that I plan to take Nortel training on the BCM platform very soon, so that my company can become a vendor. This way I get more hands-on experience with the current product.

 

[acewarlock]

Good reason!