Through the Cisco Authorized Business Edition Program, qualifying partners can gain access to Cisco Unified Communications Manager Business Edition products for the 100- to 500-user market segment.
By completing the program requirements, partners demonstrate their competency in deploying these solutions and are eligible to participate in the Cisco Value Incentive Program. The program is customized for partners who focus on midsized businesses, and it requires training and exams for only the Cisco Unified Communications Manager Business Edition.
Note: The Lifecycle Services exam has become part of the required exam set to achieve the Cisco Advanced IP Communications Sales Specialist certification effective May 16 2008. As a result, the exam will no longer be displayed here as an independent exam, but may be found on the Cisco Advanced IP Communications Sales Specialist page. This does not change the overall number of required exams to qualify for this role.
Note: Cisco Specialist Certifications are valid for two years. To recertify, take and pass the current version of the required exam(s) or pass a current CCIE or CCDE written exam before the expiration of your certification.
Current Authorized Business Edition Program Partners
The investment for a partner to 'maintain' or 'update' their existing lab has been ‘paused’ for partners who are preparing to recertify. This means that at the time of the partners' 'recertification', they will not be required to provide proof of compliance for their lab.
New Authorized Business Edition Program Partner candidates
The lab investment will continue to be a requirement for those partner candidates who are applying for the program.
NOTE: Cisco Unified Presence Server highly recommended
Cisco Authorized Business Edition Program Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the program:
The Cisco sponsor (channel account manager or systems engineer) determines your eligibility for the program. Work with the sponsor to identify your requirement gaps and create a development plan.
Apply for the program through the CSApp tool. Once logged into the tool, choose "Access Program Application." Next, find and click on the "Specialization Application" tab. Finally, choose "Cisco Authorized Business Edition Program."
Partner: Complete the lab list and submit to Cisco Sponsor (System Engineer, CAM, etc.) for approval
Cisco Sponsor:
a. Review the lab list and verify with the partner
b. Any questions on equivalents or substitutes should be validated through a Cisco SME in the field
c. Once validated, the Cisco sponsor uploads the list into the CSApp tool (Below)
Cisco Sponsor Instructions for Uploading Unified Communications Lab List
Through the Cisco Authorized Business Edition Program, qualifying partners can gain access to Cisco Unified Communications Manager Business Edition products for the 100- to 500-user market segment.