Through the Cisco Authorized Business Edition Reseller Program, qualifying partners can gain access to Cisco Unified Communications Manager Business Edition products for the 100- to 500-user market segment. By completing the program requirements, partners demonstrate their competency in deploying these solutions and are eligible to participate in the Cisco Value Incentive Program.

The Cisco Authorized Business Edition Reseller Program is customized for partners who focus on midsized businesses, and it requires training and exams for only the Cisco Unified Communications Manager Business Edition.

Cisco Authorized Business Edition Reseller Program Requirements

To attain the Cisco Authorized Business Edition Reseller designation, gain access to the Cisco Unified Communications Manager Business Edition, and be eligible for Cisco Value Incentive Program rewards, partners should take the recommended training and pass the mandatory exams.

To become a Cisco Authorized Business Edition Reseller, partners must fulfill each of the following defined job roles:

Cisco Authorized Business Edition Reseller Program requirements are as follows:

Account Manager
Responsible for Cisco Unified Communications sales methodology and customer engagement.
Required Prerequisite: Cisco Sales Expert (#646-204)
Required Exams: Cisco Advanced IP Communications Sales Specialist
Note: The Lifecycle Services exam has become part of the required exam set to achieve the Cisco Advanced IP Communications Sales Specialist certification effective May 16 2008. As a result, the exam will no longer be displayed here as an independent exam, but may be found on the Cisco Advanced IP Communications Sales Specialist page. This does not change the overall number of required exams to qualify for this role.
Recommended Training: Unified Communications Advanced Sales (e-learning) Cisco Lifecycle Services Express Version 2.0 (e-learning)

Engineer 1

Presales engineer; responsible for Cisco Unified Communications solution planning and design.

Required Prerequisite:

CCVP professional-level certification

Required Exams:

Cisco Lifecycle Services for Advanced Unified Communications (#650-251)

Recommended Training:

Engineer 2
Post-sales engineer; responsible for Cisco Unified Communications solution implementation and operation.
Required Prerequisite: None
Required Exams: Cisco Unified Presence Presence Specialist Cisco Unity Connection for Business Edition Online 650-261
Recommended Training: Cisco Unified Presence Design and Implementation Cisco Unity Connection for Business Edition
Note: Cisco Specialist Certifications are valid for two years. To recertify, take and pass the current version of the required exam(s) or pass a current CCIE or CCDE written exam before the expiration of your certication.

Cisco Authorized Business Edition Reseller Program Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for the program:

The Cisco sponsor (channel account manager or systems engineer) determines your eligibility for the program. Work with the sponsor to identify your requirement gaps and create a development plan.
Apply for the program through the CSApp tool. Once logged into the tool, choose "Access Program Application." Next, find and click on the "Specialization Application" tab. Finally, choose "Cisco Authorized Business Application Program."
Satisfy program requirements and become eligible to participate in the Cisco Value Incentive Program.

Process for Validating Lab List

Process for Validating Business Edition Lab List

Partner: Complete the lab list and submit to Cisco Sponsor (System Engineer, CAM, etc.) for approval
Cisco Sponsor:
  a. Review the lab list and verify with the partner.
  b. Any questions on equivalants or substitutes should be validated through a Cisco SME in the field.
  c. Once validated, the Cisco sponsor uploads the list into the CSApp tool (Below)

Cisco Sponsor Instructions for Uploading Unified Communications Lab List

Go to the Certification/Specialization Application.
Search for company
a. If you cannot locate the company, make sure you are assigned to the partner in the Channels Territory tool.
Click on ´Administrative Tasks´ tab
Click on ´Upload Documents´