Announcement
The Cisco Converged Business Specialization will retire on 20 March 2007
The last day to submit an application for the Cisco Converged Business Specialization will be 20 March 2006.
What is the intent of the Cisco Converged Business Specialization program?
What type of partner is the program targeting?
Why should a partner consider participating in the Converged Business Specialization? What are the benefits of the program?
What are the benefits to prospects and customers?
Are partners required to be a part of the Cisco Channel Partner Program?
What service and support is available for the Converged Office Business Program?
How will the partner provide post-sales support for the Converged Office Business Program?
Can the partner open Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) cases online and via phone?
Do partners need individual Cisco career certifications to be accepted into the program?
What is the renewal policy for this program?
Who should partners contact if they have additional questions?
Where can partners find out more about the new Converged Business Specialization?
Q: What is the intent of the Cisco Converged Business Specialization program?
A: The program provides valuable training and recognizes partners for developing expertise in delivering end-to-end network solutions based on multiple technologies, not just one or two. The Converged Business Specialization validates a partner's enhanced capabilities in the areas of network infrastructure, security, mobility, and IP communications to meet customers' business needs, today and into the future. The program will enhance a partner's ability to compete in the networking market and increases the partner's value to customers by being capable of delivering complex system solutions.
Q: What type of partner is the program targeting?
A: A typical partner for this program may be defined as a one that is currently working with small and medium-sized business (SMB) customers and who have the enhanced capabilities to sell, deploy, and integrate technology in the areas of network infrastructure, security, mobility, and IP communications. The typical size of these SMB customers is between 20 and 500 employees, with some geographies focused on customers in the 20 to 250 employee range.
Q: Why should a partner consider participating in the Converged Business Specialization? What are the benefits of the program?
A: Partner benefits for this program include:
- Enhanced profit margins by participating in various incentive programs offered by Cisco such as the Cisco Value Incentive Program (VIP), the Cisco Opportunity Incentive Program (OIP), and the Cisco Solutions Incentive Program (SIP) programs
- Ability to use existing investment in other Specializations, including all course work, exams, and certifications, toward future Specializations
- Increased productivity and profitability of sales calls by offering a comprehensive and integrated solution for customer's end-to-end networking needs, today and into the future
- Differentiation from competitors who may focus on only one technology or simply on price
- Points towards Cisco Certifications
- Listing as a "go-to" partner for delivering converged solutions to SMB customers on Cisco's Partner Locator.
Q: What are the benefits to prospects and customers?
A: Dealing with multiple vendors and integrating products strains the resources of even large companies with dedicated IT departments. By working with a single partner that is capable of integrating four key Cisco technologies—routing and switching, security, wireless, and voice—customers will benefit by having all of the components working together, with one place to go for support.
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Q: Are partners required to be a part of the Cisco Channel Partner Program?
A: Yes. Partners must be a Cisco Registered Partner, which is a prerequisite for all partners who are participating in Cisco Channel Partner programs. Learn more on how partners can become a Cisco Registered Partner.
Q. What service and support is available for the Converged Office Business Program?
A. SMARTNet is available for all applicable devices and Software Application Support (SAS)/ Software Application Support Plus Upgrades (SASU) is available for all applicable software included in Converged Office Business. In addition, advanced services (including planning, design, and implementation) are available directly from Cisco.
Q. How will the partner provide post-sales support for the Converged Office Business Program?
A. The partner will provide support using their Cisco Shared Support, Cisco Brand Resale, or SIS98 support agreement(s) applicable to the products in Converged Office Business.
Q. Can the partner open Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) cases online and via phone?
A. Yes. Partners can receive support via Cisco Technical Assistance Center (TAC) online and by phone. When opening a case or discussing support requirements, partners must reference the product requiring the support to help ensure that the service request is directed to the appropriate TAC team.
Q: Do partners need individual Cisco career certifications to be accepted into the program?
A: Yes. Each job role identified within the Converged Business Specialization is aligned to one or several individual Cisco career certifications. Please see the "Role Requirements" section for a detailed listing of requirements.
Q: What is the renewal policy for this program?
A: Specializations are valid for one year. Partners are required to reapply annually.
Q: Who should partners contact if they have additional questions?
A: Visit the Partner Help Tool. The Cisco support team will assist partners and try to answer any questions that they may have.
Q: Where can parters find out more about the new Converged Business Specialization?
A: Current program information can be found on the Specialization Website.