Cisco launches Select Certification program for SMB partners

Mumbai

August 1st, 2007

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

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
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, VP, Channels, Cisco India
and 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 SMB market or
reseller partners who want to graduate to the next certification level.

With this, it is possible for partners to carry more than one certification
in the market, simultaneously. Partners who achieve the Select Certification,
will be listed on the Cisco partner locator so that they are easily identifiable
by customers.