A Note from Network Services: Notification of Upcoming Vendor Price Increases

CU*Answers Network Services has always endeavored to offer the best value pricing to our network.  We actively work with suppliers and vendors to keep prices as low as possible, using the power of the network and bulk purchases on expensive goods like routers and firewalls.  We pass those savings on to you.

However, we have received notice from both Cisco and Microsoft that they have or will be raising prices on their products over the next 30 days.  They point to the pandemic and increasing labor costs and supply chain constriction as primary drivers of increasing costs.  Cisco is raising their prices an average of 10% on most products, including the routers we sell.  Microsoft is raising prices on their Microsoft 365 subscription-based software an average of 20%.  We are also seeing other vendors across the technology industry raising prices, many without warning.

CU*Answers Network Services will do all it can to keep prices as low as possible.  However, in many cases, manufacturer-driven price increases will result in increased costs on your monthly invoice for these goods.  For instance, if you purchase a Microsoft 365 subscription through us, you can expect your costs will go up approximately 20% for those services over the next few months.  But we will only adjust your pricing if Microsoft increases our costs accordingly (pass through fee increase).

If you are considering a large equipment purchase, we encourage you to review pricing now and consider getting it on order sooner than later.  In doing so, you may avoid unexpected price increases and will also receive the equipment earlier, as we are seeing lead times for some equipment – including printers, routers, workstations, servers, and laptops – extending out months.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact the Help Desk at extension 266, or by email.

Your Credit Union Has Questions, Our Teams are Here to Help!

Your Credit Union Has Questions, Our Teams are Here to Help!

At CU*Answers, we know how important it is that your Credit Union gets the appropriate help in order to meet your day-to-day data processing needs.  When you don’t know exactly who to contact, we recommend that you get started by reaching out to either the Client Services and Education Team or the Network Services Team…. Read more »

Apr 3, 2024

Need Assistance from Network Services? Submit a Request via ConnectWise!

Need Assistance from Network Services?  Submit a Request via ConnectWise!

If your credit union requires assistance from CU*Answers Network Services, please note that Network Services categories are no longer accessible through AnswerBook.  Instead, your credit union should reach out via ConnectWise with any requests directed to the Network Services team. Examples of common requests that can be submitted via ConnectWise include: Equipment troubleshooting/failure (workstations, printers,… Read more »

Jan 31, 2024

Updated Deployment Plan for IBM i Access Upgrades – Complete Yours by 5/1/2024

Updated Deployment Plan for IBM i Access Upgrades – Complete Yours by 5/1/2024

Earlier this winter, CU*Answers Network Services announced a temporary suspension of our deployment plans for IBM iAccess Upgrades.  We have since performed the necessary adjustments to our plans – your credit union can begin downloading the latest version (1.1.9.4) as of today, January 25th. Please note that this update is required for all CU*Answers clients,… Read more »

Jan 25, 2024

Your Credit Union Has Questions, Our Teams are Here to Help!

Your Credit Union Has Questions, Our Teams are Here to Help!

At CU*Answers, we know how important it is that your Credit Union gets the appropriate help in order to meet your day-to-day data processing needs.  When you don’t know exactly who to contact, we recommend that you get started by reaching out to either the Client Services and Education Team or the Network Services Team…. Read more »

Jan 11, 2024

IBM i Access Client Solution Deployment Suspended – New Deployment Plan Coming Soon

IBM i Access Client Solution Deployment Suspended – New Deployment Plan Coming Soon

Recently, CU*Answers delivered several announcements on required IBM i Access Upgrades for 2024.  Since the start of this communication series, CU*Answers has been working with our credit unions to upgrade IBM i Access Client software on your PCs. Unfortunately, on December 8, 2023, IBM disclosed three vulnerabilities (CVE-2023-45184, CVE-2023-45182, CVE-2023-45185) affecting this software.  As a… Read more »

Dec 13, 2023

Winter is Coming… and So are the Latest IBM iAccess Upgrades!

Winter is Coming… and So are the Latest IBM iAccess Upgrades!

Don’t forget: it’s time to upgrade IBM iAccess (used for print sessions) to 1.1.9.2!  This update is required for all CU*Answers clients, in order to keep workstations up to date with currently-supported software.  The updates will need to be applied to all of your CU*BASE workstations and must be completed by 1/31/2024. Your IT staff… Read more »

Nov 27, 2023

Don’t Fall Behind – Complete Your IBM iAccess Upgrades Today!

Don’t Fall Behind – Complete Your IBM iAccess Upgrades Today!

It’s time to upgrade IBM iAccess (used for print sessions) to 1.1.9.2 – this update is required for all CU*Answers clients, in order to keep workstations up to date with currently-supported software.  The updates will need to be applied to all of your CU*BASE workstations and must be completed by 1/31/2024. Your IT staff can… Read more »

Nov 13, 2023

Don’t Fall Behind – Complete Your IBM iAccess Upgrades Today!

Don’t Fall Behind – Complete Your IBM iAccess Upgrades Today!

It’s time to upgrade IBM iAccess (used for print sessions) to 1.1.9.2 – this update is required for all CU*Answers clients, in order to keep workstations up to date with currently-supported software.  The updates will need to be applied to all of your CU*BASE workstations and must be completed by 1/31/2024. Your IT staff can… Read more »

Oct 30, 2023