Meraki 9300-M series with CS firmware is it mandatory to migrate to IOS-XE ?

[Ste]

Dear community,

I have 2x C9300-24T-M stacking configuration running CS 17.1.4 and the system propose upgrade to CS 172.2.3 and also upgrade to the IOS-XE.

I've read this Important Update for Organizations with Devices on CS Firmware - The Meraki Community.

and I know about the Cloud-native ios xe new features introduction. 

My questions are:

is it mandatory migrate from CS to IOS-XE if we don't need the new features? 

The C9300-24T-M can still running the CS firmware for the next years or there's a end of support date about CS on 9300-M series?

Thank you

[rhbirkelund]

If you don't need the IOS-XE features for now, stay on CS. There should be an IOS-XE version that will be Stable RC sometime next month, last I heard.

I'd wait for that. 

If you do choose to upgrade to IOS-XE, be aware that there is no rollback from IOS-XE to CS firmware. 

[alemabrahao]

No, migrating from CS firmware to IOS XE is not mandatory. However, remember that it's good practice to always use the latest firmware version, and although Cisco hasn't yet announced the EOS update for CS versions, it is strongly encouraging the use of IOS XE.