Introducing Cloud Service Designations

Cloud computing profoundly transforms the way in which information technologies and services are provided by the managed services provider (MSP) and also changes the manner in which they are consumed by the end user. Customers are increasingly choosing cloud-based IT services over traditional customer premises equipment (CPE)-based services to save time while reducing the risk and complexity of deploying these services.

To align with these changes in consumption, and to support our partner community, Cisco has announced two new cloud designations available through our Managed Services Channel Program (MSCP). Private Cloud (IaaS) and Hosted Collaborative Solution (UCaaS) are now available to Cisco Managed Services Certified Partners as Cisco Powered designations.

These initial designations allow partners to apply for Cisco Powered status, which references a Cisco validated architecture for MSPs to use when designing their cloud-based services. To become eligible to receive Cisco Powered designations, Cisco Managed Services Certified Partners must pass a rigorous third-party audit of their service design. Thereafter, the partner may use the Cisco Powered logo within their marketing materials.

These new cloud designations are an exciting addition to Cisco's award-winning MSCP. Similar to Cisco's resale program, MSCP is a value-based program that provides three certification levels, all defined by a core set of requirements, partner branding, and partner rewards.

Additionally, MSCP has introduced new partner-to-partner rights under the "white label" provision within the program. Simply stated, the white label category allows two partners to work together to deploy a managed or cloud service.

To learn more, and to see if MSCP is right for your business, please visit our cloud tab. There you will find information and collateral on the MSCP framework and the Cisco Powered cloud architectures described here.

Please mark your calendars for the MSCP Webcast to hear all the details from Todd Roth, Director of the Managed Services Channel Program and Jeff Spagnola, Vice President, Sales, Managed/ Cloud Services. Register for Nov 9 8:00 a.m.PT session.