What is new about the Cisco® IP Communications program strategy?
Why is Cisco changing its IP Communications Specialization strategy?
Who is affected by the new program strategy?
What is the migration plan to the new programs?
For how long is my current specialization badge valid and when do I have to change over to the new program? How long will my existing ATP be valid and will I still have access to those products?
How do I choose which program to transition to?
Are the requirements for the Cisco IP Communications Specialization more difficult than the requirements for the Cisco IP Telephony-Revised Specialization and what is the incremental investment to get from Cisco IP Telephony-Revised to IP Communications?
What benefits are associated with the new programs?
What are the Cisco Certification Partner Program point values of the new IP Communications Specializations?
Are all training and exams for Cisco IP Communications and Cisco IP Communications Express available in my country and language and will all of the training and exams be available at the time of launch?
How do I know if my employee is in compliance for a particular specialization job role?
Are there new lab requirements?
Do the lab requirements count towards my certification lab?
How do I apply for the Cisco IP Communications and Cisco IP Communications Express Specializations?
Will existing ATPs retire and when?
Is the Cisco IP Telephony Services Specialization also changing?
How do I access the Cisco IPCC Express product if my company does not yet have the Cisco IP Communications Specialization?
Will the Cisco IP Communications and Cisco IP Communications Express Specializations cover IP Video?
Where can I find more specific specialization details?
Can a IPC Express Solution Specialized Partner participate in the Cisco Value Incentive Program (VIP)?
Q: What is new about the Cisco® IP Communications program strategy?
A: The Cisco IP Communications strategy highlights four primary improvements:
- Introduction of a commercial market specialization
- Addition of advanced applications into mainstream programs
- Consolidated and intuitive program offerings
- Specialization alignment to Cisco Qualified Specialist badges
Cisco is pleased to introduce two new specializations: the "IP Communications Express Specialization," and the "IP Communications Specialization."
The Cisco IP Communications Express Specialization targets the commercial and enterprise branch office market spaces, and focuses on entry-level converged network opportunities.
The Cisco IP Communications Specialization is an evolution of the Cisco IP Telephony-Revised Specialization, and it targets the medium-sized commercial to enterprise markets. Participating partners must have advanced product knowledge and post-sales support capabilities.
Q: Why is Cisco changing its IP Communications Specialization strategy?
- To help ensure parity in the IP Communications channel strategy worldwide, while allowing flexibility to address local market needs.
- To maintain a reasonable balance between partner investment and product evolution.
- To define commercial market and branch office IP Communications programs.
- To integrate such IP Communications solutions as contact center and unified messaging into the core channel specialization.
- To create the ability to insert future new platforms and technologies into IP Communications programs, and promote a partner's abilities.
- To consolidate training and exams across all IP Communications programs.
Q: Who is affected by the new program strategy?
A: All partners who currently participate in any of the following programs will be affected by this new program strategy:
- Cisco CallManager Express ATP
- Cisco IP Telephony Basic ATP
- Cisco IP Telephony Revised Specialization
- Cisco IP Contact Center (IPCC) Express ATP
- Cisco IPCC (version 4.6 or previous)
- Customer Contact Cisco Intelligent Contact Manager (ICM) or Cisco Network Applications Manager (NAM) ATP
- Customer Interaction Suite ATP
Q: What is the migration plan to the new programs?
A: Existing specialized and ATP partners will keep their badge(s) until its annual specified expiration date. However, if a partner achieves one of the new IP Communications specializations before the existing specialization or Advanced Technology Program expires, the old specialization and/or ATP will be invalid. Partners may not hold more than one IP Communications specialization at a time, and the existing ATPs listed above have been folded into the new IP Communications program (making separate badges redundant.) Partners who have applications that are in "in progress" or in "recertification" mode may renew their Cisco IP Telephony-Revised Specialization or legacy ATP within the specified grace period. Some exceptions may be granted for partners pursuing IP Communications Express or IP Communications specializations within grace periods.
Summary Dates:
All Cisco CallManager Express, Cisco IP Telephony Basic, and Cisco IPCC Express ATP applications must be submitted on or before 12/12/03. Final ATP announcements will be made by 1/30/04.
All Cisco IP Telephony -Revised applications must be submitted on or before 1/30/04 and supporting documentation received by 2/20/04. Final specialization announcements will be made by 2/27/04.
Q: For how long is my current specialization badge valid and when do I have to change over to the new program? How long will my existing ATP be valid and will I still have access to those products?
A: All specialization and ATP badges are valid for the 12 months from their effective date. Partners holding active badges today will keep the existing IP Telephony badge that they may have for the remainder of its effective life, and can continue to access associated IP Telephony products. Once a partner's renewal time arrives, they will not be permitted to renew an old badge, but will have to meet the requirements of a current program to remain in good standing.
Partners do not have to wait until their badge expires to apply for a new specialization. Once achieved, the new specialization will be added to their list of qualifications.
Q: How do I choose which program to transition to?
A: Please consult your Cisco account manager to determine which program will best meet your needs. Reference the IP Communications Transition Matrix to assist you in assessing the programs.
Q: Are the requirements for the Cisco IP Communications Specialization more difficult than the requirements for the Cisco IP Telephony-Revised Specialization and what is the incremental investment to get from Cisco IP Telephony-Revised to IP Communications?
A: The Cisco IP Communications Specialization requires the same number of trained personnel and follows the same lab requirements as Cisco IP Telephony-Revised; however the IP Communications specialization covers a larger set of products and technologies. Due to the specialization's job role alignment to individual Cisco Qualified Specialist badges, there are now fewer total exams required. A partner's overall time and capital investment in IP Communications is less then Cisco IP Telephony -Revised.
Q: What benefits are associated with the new programs?
A: Partners who participate in the Cisco IP Communications Express or Cisco IP Communications Specializations will enjoy the following benefits:
- Continued partnership with Cisco
- Detailed training roadmaps to advanced skills and capabilities
- Access to restricted products (where applicable)
- Cisco Channel Partner Program Certification points
- Eligibility to participate in the Value Incentive Program (VIP)
Q:What are the Cisco Certification Partner Program point values of the new IP Communications Specializations?
A: The Cisco IP Communications Express Specialization is worth 20 points.
The Cisco IP Communications Specialization is worth 40 points.
Q: Are all training and exams for Cisco IP Communications and Cisco IP Communications Express available in my country and language and will all of the training and exams be available at the time of launch?
A: All training courses can be found either through one of our Cisco Learning Partners as an instructor-led course or as an e-learning module that is accessible through Cisco Partner Education Connection (PEC) on a global basis. Contact your in theater channel contact for local language course and exam information.
One exam for the account manager role in both specializations will be available in mid December. All other exams can be found through their respective testing centers, including Prometric, PearsonVUE , or Certification.net.
Please see the specialization learning maps on Cisco PEC for details on specific courses and exams.
Q: How do I know if my employee is in compliance for a particular specialization job role?
A: Please use the Certification Tracking System Tool. You may also utilize the CSApp tool.
Q: Are there new lab requirements?
A: The lab requirements have been updated to reflect the most current products, technologies, and platforms for the Cisco IP Communications and Cisco IP Communications Express Specializations. Please see Lab Requirements.
Remember, if you are an existing IP Telephony – Revised or IP ATP partner, you are not required to meet these lab requirements until the time of your next renewal into either the IP Communications Express or IP Communications specialization.
Q: Do the lab requirements count towards my certification lab?
A: Yes, specialization labs count toward certification lab requirements.
Q: How do I apply for the Cisco IP Communications and Cisco IP Communications Express Specializations?
A: Partners can apply for the Cisco IP Communications or Cisco IP Communications Express Specializations at the Certifications and Specialization Application (CSApp) Web site.
Partners should use the "Upload" capability on CSApp to attach electronic versions of supplemental documentation such as proof of meeting lab and Microsoft Certified System Engineer (MCSE) requirements.
or
Cisco system engineers should use the Partner Help onLine tool 
to submit proof of Lab and MCSE documentation for their partner.
Additional instructions can be found on the Specialization Website.
Q: Will existing ATPs retire and when?
A: The Cisco CallManager Express, Cisco IP Telephony Basic, and Cisco IPCC Express ATPs will no longer accept new applicants after December 31, 2003; these programs will officially retire at the end of 2004. The new Cisco IP Communications Express and Cisco IP Communications Specializations now cover the products and markets that these programs cover.
The legacy contact center ATPs (Cisco IPCC, Cisco ICM, Cisco NAM, and Customer Interaction Suite) stopped accepting applications on October 31, 2003; these badges will officially retire at the end of October 2004. The content from these programs has been consolidated into the Cisco IPCC Enterprise 5.0 ATP
Cisco IPCC Enterprise 5.0 and the Cisco IP Telephony Remote Network Operations ATP will remain as ATP programs.
Please consult your Cisco account manager for more information about ATPs.
Q: Is the Cisco IP Telephony Services Specialization also changing?
A: No, the Cisco IP Telephony Services Specialization requirements or scope will not change at this time. Although, partners wishing to obtain an IP Telephony Services badge may now use either IP Telephony- Revised or IP Communications specializations as pre-requisites for IP Telephony Services badges.
Q: How do I access the Cisco IPCC Express product if my company does not yet have the Cisco IP Communications Specialization?
A: Cisco IP Telephony -Revised partners will need to complete the Cisco IPCC Express ATP prior to its retirement. Check with your Cisco CAM for more details on the program requirements.
Q: Will the Cisco IP Communications and Cisco IP Communications Express Specializations cover IP Video?
A: No. Communications for any plans for IP Video will be sent under separate cover.
Q: Where can I find more specific specialization details?
A: By visiting the IP Communications and IP Communications Express Websites.
Q: Can a IPC Express Solution Specialized Partner participate in the Cisco Value Incentive Program (VIP)?
A: Yes, the Cisco IPC Express Specialization qualifies the Partner for the Cisco VIP incentive program.
