Cisco launches Select Certification Program for SMB Partners

August 1, 2007

As part of its thrust to grow its leadership position in the
small and medium-sized business (SMB) market in the country, Cisco announced the
launch of 'select certification' as part of its Cisco channel partner program.
This new certification will differentiate, recognize and reward Cisco channel
partners that have a focused business practice selling into this market.

Cisco SMB class solutions provide proven technology solutions and
comprehensive services to help small and medium businesses build secure,
reliable and flexible networks that can scale as their companies grow. The
program has been designed to focus on training and skill development and offers
certification to indicate partners' competence in selling and deploying these
solutions. Select will also enable registered partners to move up the stringent
certification levels depending on the enhancement of skills and competencies and
their ability to add greater value to customers.

Commenting on the new initiative, Avinash Purwar, vice president, channels,
Cisco India & SAARC said, "As SMBs increasingly adopt networking
technologies, it is imperative for us to renew our channel focus on this rapidly
growing market. With this certification, we will create a pool of select
certified partners who will be equipped to respond to the heightened demands of
customers in the SMB market. This will also include knowledgeable networking
professionals capable of consulting, design and deployment of Cisco SMB class
solutions."

Partners registered under this program gain eligibility to earn opportunity
incentive program (OIP) rewards and to sell Cisco smart care services, in
addition to being branded a Cisco select certified partner. The certification is
currently available to all Cisco partners, who want to enter the burgeoning SMB
market or reseller partners who want to graduate to the next certification
level. With this, for the first time, it is possible for partners to carry more
than one certification in the market, simultaneously. Customers will list
partners who achieve the select certification on the Cisco partner locator so
that they are easily identifiable.