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What can your SMB partners expect from Cisco Select Certification Program?
The Select Certification Program (SCP) is part of our Cisco Channel Partner
Program. This rewards our partners, who have a focused business practice selling
into this market. We plan to add 600 new partners specifically certified to
cater to SMB customers, especially in tier-2 and 3 markets shortly.
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. 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 as a Cisco Select Certified Partner.
What are your offerings for SMB clients?
Our integrated services router (ISR) is a typical example of an SMB class
product-combining the benefits of voice, data and video, it does away with
diverse sets of hardware and literally is a 'small office' out of a box.
We recently launched Smart Business Communications System (SBCS) that enable
anytime anywhere access to information for SMBs. The system employs new hardware
products, integrated unified communications (UC) applications and
system-management tools designed to complement each other, and provide
communication building blocks for small businesses.
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Amit Malik
Head-SMB, India and SAARC, Cisco Systems |
What is Cisco's easy lease program (ELP) all about?
It specializes in financing Cisco solutions by providing innovative,
flexible financial programs to our customers and channel partners. To address
the pricing issues faced by SMBs and help them invest in smart data and
communications solutions, Cisco Capital is offering the ELP in India. Easy lease
offers streamlined lease documentation, flexible payment options and fast
turnaround.
What is on Cisco's radar for this fiscal?
We have developed customized SMB products and solutions. We plan to launch
30 new products for SMBs over the next 12 months. We will also leverage our
Webex acquisition to penetrate the SMB market further through its on-demand
collaboration applications, and its network-based solution for delivering
business-to-business collaboration.
The other priority is to improve market penetration by enhancing our
logistics and support, and taking Cisco Capital to the SMBs. We are also
automating internal processes so that our people can spend more time with our
customers to help them understand how networking can transform their business.
What are your SMB-focused strategies?
We have recently unveiled a multi-pronged strategic roadmap to tap the
rapidly growing market for IT. This includes focusing on new customized SMB
products/solutions and financing schemes like the ELP for SMBs.
Today, the emerging industry verticals like manufacturing, healthcare, retail
and ITeS are showing increasing rates of technology adoption. Currently, these
sectors are opening up to competitors, and the existing players need to emerge
on par with their global counterparts on all fronts. Cisco will also focus on
tapping SMBs in micro verticals like cooperative banks, stockbrokers and
educational institutions that are showing increasing rates of technology
adoption.
PIYALI GUHA
piyalig@cybermedia.co.in Page(s) 1
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