Enhanced Channel Partner Program
Cisco is committed to strengthening our partnership and continuing our value-based channel strategy. The program continues to offer certifications, specializations and incentives. You will be able to build on your investments and obtain new capabilities to capture your share of the growing market.
Certifications now reflect the breadth of technology skills. You can continue to build your expertise to deliver Integrated Networking Solutions - Security, Unified Communications, Wireless LAN, Routing and Switching.
Your investment in developing broader, integrated technology skills will enable you to deliver the integrated networking solutions customers are demanding and enable you to broaden your role and open new markets. >Learn more
Specialization Enhancements
Specializations now reflect the depth of technology skills, with three specialization levels available to provide more differentiation opportunities - Express, Advanced, and Master Specialization. Each level includes sales, technical, and Cisco Lifecycle Services training.
Your focus on developing deeper technology skills will enable you to further differentiate your business by offering sophisticated technology solutions. Improve deployment success, strengthen customer relationships, and help drive profitability using the proven, repeated processes of the Cisco Lifecycle Services approach. >Learn more
Note: Master Specializations will be available July 2006
Program Rewards
One thing that hasn't changed is Cisco's commitment to reward you for your loyalty to Cisco and value-add to customers-through enhanced economic incentives, new ways to capitalize on the Cisco brand, preference with the Cisco sales organization, co-marketing opportunities and funding, and a variety of service enablement programs.
We will continue to reward you for investing in certification and will retain our Value Incentive Program (VIP), Opportunity Incentive Program (OIP), Solutions Incentive Program (SIP), as well as our Technology Migration Program (TMP) and Trade-In Accelerator Promotion (TAP). >Learn more.
To reward your value-add and investments, we are offering all Certified Partners advanced specialization discounts. In addition, we will be offering t iered VIP rewards for three new specialization levels and Gold Certified partners will receive an additional VIP reward.
Important Transition Dates
2006
On March 14, 2006, six new base specializations launched, including Express Foundation, Express Unified Communications, Advanced Security, Advanced Unified Communications, Advanced Routing and Switching, Advanced Wireless LAN
Several existing specializations were retired, including IP Communications, IP Communications Express, Routing and Switching, Wireless LAN, and Security/VPN.
You can apply for or renew these retired specializations through June 14, 2006.
During the first year of the transition, March 2006 through March 2007, you can achieve new specializations as your retired specializations expire.
Certifications will be renewed under the current program during this period.
In October 2006, the new Advanced Specialization discounts will be implemented, allowing six months for you to qualify.
2007
Starting on March 1, 2007, new certification requirements will apply upon your next certification anniversary that falls on or after this date.
2008
March 2008, all partners will be certified under the new program.
Benefits
By leading the industry and strategically evolving the Cisco Channel Partner Program we are providing unprecedented opportunities for you to accelerate growth, differentiate your business, and drive greater profitability. There has never been a better time to be a Cisco partner. As one of our most valued partners, we ask you to lead with us, evolve with us, and grow with us - now.
There are three types of relationships to help you deliver value-added services, technical expertise, and higher levels of satisfaction to your customers:
Cisco Registered Partner
Being a Registered Partner is a requirement of becoming a Cisco Certified Partner and/or Cisco Specialized Partner. > Read More
Cisco
Specialised Partner
The Cisco Specialised Partner program allows your organisation to
develop its expertise in technologies, solutions, and services. Specialisation
is required in order to qualify for the Certified Partner program. >
Read More
Cisco Certified Partner
The Cisco Certified Partner program integrates the technology focus of Cisco channel specializations, flexible individual career certification requirements, customer satisfaction tools, and pre- and post-sales support capabilities. > Read More
Four levels of certification are offered:
Gold offers the highest credibility in the marketplace. Cisco Gold Certified
Partners deliver the highest level of support, have achieved a measurable
level of customer satisfaction, and are typically recognized for
gaining expertise in three specializations.
Silver gives your company enhanced credibility, provides objective evidence
of your superior service and support capabilities, and rewards you
with recognition for focusing on at least two specializations.
Premier offers your company credibility and access to Cisco programs, as
well as recognition for focusing on at least one specialization.
Select With this entry-level certification, Cisco Select Certified Partners benefit from an increased level of support from Cisco, including access to best-in-class products and services, technical support, productivity tools, online training, and marketing resources, and rewards you with recognition for achieving the SMB Specialization.
Benefits
The level of rewards available to your company depends on your level of competencies and capabilities. Rewards available to all partners include:
