A Cisco Master Specialization recognizes partners with the highest qualified practice in a given technology and offers further opportunities for market differentiation. Master specialization builds on the advanced specializations and is targeted at an elite group of partners that have the most in-depth technology skills and demonstrated customer success in selling, deploying, and providing services for more sophisticated Cisco solutions.

To achieve a master specialization, partners must first achieve the advanced specialization in that technology. Partners must then meet stringent requirements that demonstrate their master-level capabilities, and establish a customer success track record in the following three areas:

Selling capability: Selling skills, sales personnel investments, training, Cisco prescribed demonstration capabilities, and customer references that include Cisco prescribed solution and services capabilities
Technology capability: Additional technical personnel requirements, including additional CCIE certified individuals
Services capability and methodology: Services assessment across the Cisco Lifecycle Services phases; must meet ISO prescribed skills for the operate phase for specific Cisco services

To protect the integrity and value of the master specialization, Cisco uses an onsite audit requirement to further validate a partner’s technology and services capabilities.

Master Specialization: Partner Benefits

Cisco Master Specialized Partners enjoy the following benefits:

Branding: Master specialization offers the greatest differentiation and branding opportunities, which partners can integrate into their customer sales efforts, marketing plans, and company value proposition.
Profitability and growth opportunities: Cisco Master Specialized Partners receive the highest Value Incentive Program rebate as a reward for their capabilities in providing value-added services, for their commitment to customer success, and for their loyalty to Cisco. Cisco Unified Communications and security sales drive higher-margin services and end-to-end business solutions that help partners build trusted, sustainable relationships with customers.
Marketing: Cisco promotes the master brand to customers through product and solution launches, Cisco events, press announcements, and a comprehensive suite of co-marketing materials that partners can use to accelerate their marketing efforts (e.g., customer brochures, e-mail templates, presentations, artwork/branding, Web banners, and partner messaging). Cisco Master Specialized Partners are clearly highlighted in the enhanced customer-facing Partner Locator tool.
Recognition: The value of the Cisco Master Specialization is promoted to the Cisco sales organization through internal training and promotion. Furthermore, Cisco Master Specialized Partners are recognized on the enhanced Partner Locator Tool – a key resource for the Cisco sales organization as they engage with our joint customers.

Master Specializations Overview

Master Specialization: Partner Benefits