Questions & Answers

A:  Cisco is revising the content and scope of this specialization to include data-center-specific customer solutions that are enabled with Cisco storage networking products and technologies. A new series of data center partner specializations will be introduced in the near future.

A:  The intent of this specialization is to provide valuable training on Cisco storage networking products families and technologies, and to recognize partners for developing expertise in storage networking and IP infrastructure-based storage solutions. The Data Center Storage Networking Specialization will enhance a partner’s ability to compete in the storage networking market; in addition to helping partners provide overall value to customers, it increases a partner’s ability to support each customer’s complex storage networking needs.

A:  A typical partner for this specialization may be a solution provider partner that is currently active in the storage market. The program is intended for Cisco and original storage manufacturers (OSMs) and solution technology integrator (STI) partners that:

• Focus on storage sales and have an existing resale relationship with at least one OSM that has been approved by Cisco (EMC, HP, IBM, and Hitachi Data Systems) or an STI partner (Xiotech, Network Appliance, NEC)
• Want to take full advantage of the Cisco MDS infrastructure to design and implement storage networking solutions with advanced Cisco networking features such as VSANs, security, and management

The specialization may also appeal to Cisco partners that have a desire to build a storage practice.

A:  No. The Cisco go-to-market strategy for Cisco MDS 9000 intelligent SAN solutions is as follows:

• Collaborate technically with OSMs and STIs to fully qualify, certify, and integrate Cisco MDS 9000 Series Switches into OSM-offered architectures and solutions.
• Sell and support Cisco MDS 9000 Series Switches through OSMs and STIs and their channel partners as part of integrated storage solutions.
• Refer existing Cisco storage partners to the OSMs and STIs for Cisco MDS 9000 Series-based solutions.

The OSMs and STIs resell Cisco storage products with their bundled (application) storage solutions, either through their direct storage specialist salesforce or storage channel partners.

A:  Working toward this specialization will help partners develop an expertise in storage networking and IP infrastructure-based storage solutions. Attaining this specialization will enhance a partner’s ability to compete in the storage networking market, and will help partners better service their customers’ complex storage networking needs. The Cisco Data Center Storage Networking Specialization:

• Complements Cisco’s OSM active go-to-market strategy
• Elevates partners’ core competencies, recognizing their expertise in storage networking and IP infrastructure-based storage solutions
• Earns points toward Cisco certifications
• Enables the partner to be listed on Cisco’s Partner Locator as a "go-to" partner for storage networking

A:  Yes. Being a Cisco Registered Partner is a prerequisite for all partners that are participating in partner programs. Partners can become a Cisco Registered Partner by visiting http://tools.cisco.com/WWChannels/IPA/welcome.do.

A:  Yes. Each job role identified within the Cisco Data Center Storage Networking Specialization is aligned to an individual Cisco career certification. Please see the Role Requirements section on Partner Central for a detailed listing of requirements.

A:  Specializations are valid for one year. Partners are required to re-apply annually.

A:  Visit SupportNet. The Cisco support team will assist you.

A:  Current program information can be found on the Cisco Specialization website.