Chapter 2      Getting Started with CMS
Using Different Versions of Web-Based Switch Management Software
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Catalyst 2900 Series XL and Catalyst 3500 Series XL Software Configuration Guide
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Using Different Versions of Web-Based Switch 
Management Software
Cluster command switches can manage a mixture of Catalyst desktop switches. 
However, certain models of the Catalyst desktop switches support different 
versions of web-based management software; thus, the interfaces can differ.
Keep in mind that when you select a switch image or switch icon and then select 
Device > Launch Switch Manager from the menu bar, a new CMS session is 
launched, and the web-based management software specific to that switch 
appears.
• The Catalyst 2900 XL, Catalyst 3500 XL, and Catalyst 2950 switches use the 
same version of the CMS interface.
• The Catalyst 1900 and Catalyst 2820 switches use an older interface version 
of VSM, which is referred to as Switch Manager on these switches. Other 
CMS features such as Cluster Manager, Cluster Builder, and Cluster View are 
not available on these switches.
Refer to the appropriate switch documentation for descriptions of the web-based 
management software used on other Catalyst desktop switches, such as the 
Catalyst 2950, Catalyst 1900, and Catalyst 2820 switches.
Refer to the release notes for the list of Catalyst desktop switches that are 
cluster-compatible and their software versions.
Where to Go Next
The rest of this guide provides descriptions of the software features and general 
switch administration. Table 4-2 on page 4-9 lists the defaults for all key features, 
gives the page number in this guide where the feature is described, and the name 
of the CMS window from which you can configure the feature.
Refer to the online help for CMS procedures and window descriptions. Refer to 
the release notes for hardware and software requirements, including required 
browser versions, and for procedures for installing the required Java plug-in, 
configuring your browser, and accessing CMS.