To further strengthen its networking offerings, computing giant Hewlett-Packard has launched a Cisco trade-in promotion called “A Catalyst for Change.” HP estimates that nearly $9 billion in Cisco networking equipment is approaching end-of-life or service in 2011.

The “A Catalyst for Change” program enables clients to upgrade from existing complex, proprietary and expensive Cisco network gear to simpler, open standards-based HP solutions that deliver up to 66 percent lower total cost of ownership, according to HP.

A Catalyst for Change” trade-in promotion is the first HP Networking program to deliver upfront savings with an additional 20 percent off the list price on HP A-Series and E-Series switches, said the maker. The order must be accompanied with a trade-in of eligible Cisco Catalyst 2960/S Series, 3560/E Series/X Series, 3750/E Series/X Series, 4500 E Series, 4900 Series or 6500 Series, as well as Cisco Nexus 5000 Series or 7000 Series switches, according to HP.

“There is no better time for a promotion like this for my customers,” said Marc Sarazin, executive vice president of sales and marketing at AdvizeX, an HP partner based in Independence, Ohio, in a statement. “Not only is a huge volume of Cisco gear reaching end of life, we saw a lot of customers put off scheduled network upgrades when the economy slowed down, so there’s pent up demand there, too. This promotion is a great way to help customers migrate to HP now, reducing their network complexity and headaches, while lowering their costs.”

To facilitate a smooth transition from outdated equipment, HP Networking solutions offer proven interoperability with Cisco and other networking equipment. HP also provides network planning and migration services, as well as fast-track ExpertONE certification training. As a result, clients can easily upgrade their core, data center and campus infrastructures to achieve greater business value from their IT networking investments, said HP.

In another statement, John Kissane, vice president of Americas Sales for HP Networking, said, “Under the single vendor stronghold of the past, enterprise networks have gotten too complex, difficult to manage and expensive. HP Networking gives organizations a choice that delivers unprecedented flexibility, performance and agility, which ultimately enables our clients to be more competitive.”

Once close partners, the two giants are branching out to compete with each other on their respective turfs. While computing giant HP is extending its reach to networking customers, networking giant Cisco is branching out to servers.