Dicker Data Limited

02/17/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/16/2025 21:49

How Dicker Data is supporting partners to capitalise on Cisco’s new partner program

Ciscohas announced a groundbreaking update to its partner program, the most significant in nearly 30years. The new Cisco 360 Partner Program aims to enhance the value partners deliver to customers by addressing theirrapidly evolving and complex needs. This includes modernising infrastructure, enabling AI workloads anywhere, and ensuring organisations remainsecure, resilient, and high performing. Developed in collaboration with partners and customers, Cisco will support them through a 12-month transition period, culminating in the program's launch in February 2026.

What is the Cisco 360 Partner Program?

The incoming Cisco 360 Partner Program is an inclusive framework designed to boost overall partner success by focusing on business growth, enhancing collaboration, and rewarding partners for their efforts in how they deliver value. Whether partners are influencing customer choice and/or transacting resellers, ISVs, system integrators, managed service providers, consultants, or others - the program is designed to recognise the full spectrum of partner value while providing flexibility to scale. The efforts our partners put in between now and the launch of the program in February 2026, is crucial in ensuring a profitable position as a Cisco partner in the IT channel.

Dicker Data Cisco General Manager, Vickie Madeleine said, "We are excited about the evolution of this program and what it means for Australian partners. I believe the Cisco 360 Partner Program will help to reward an ecosystem that supports the needs of the ever-evolving market. It offers partners the opportunity to be recognised for outcomes beyond revenue and certifications."

What does this really mean for partners?

This program is relevant to all partners, no matter where you are on your Cisco journey. Our Dicker Data team can support you in leveraging this opportunity. Here's a breakdown of the key differences between the new Cisco 360 Partner Program and the previous program.

What are the new designations?

Cisco isretiring the Cisco Gold Designation, with the new structure including two designations available for each Cisco architecture portfolio: Cisco Partner & Cisco Preferred Partner. A significant difference between the two programs is the introduction of Cisco architecture specific partner levels, rather than overall partner level. At this stage, there is no partner status that representsa partner with Preferred status across all architectures.

Cisco Partner Experience Platform (PXP)

An integral part of Cisco 360's program is the utilisation of the Cisco Partner Experience Platform (PXP), a single source to help partners plan and renew deals, view incentives and certification information, and access deeper insights into the customer install base.  

For a live PXP demo, and to learn how to grow your business using PXP, please reach out to us - Ash Tattersall, Programs Manager - [email protected].

Where is the key Cisco opportunity?

Cisco have made the strategic decision to prioritise Security as the first architecture in the Cisco 360 Program, George Guirguis, Dicker Data's Cisco Business Manager - Cybersecurity & Presales explains why starting with Security really matters.

"Cybersecurity threats continue to evolve at a rapid pace, and businesses of all sizes are seeking partners who can provide robust, scalable AI ready solutions. By aligning with this priority, partners can:

Tap into Growing Demand:Security is a top investment area for businesses, creating significant opportunities for partners to grow revenue. 

Strengthen Customer Trust:Delivering reliable security solutions helps partners build long-term relationships. 

Differentiate in the Market:Partners with a strong security focus are better positioned to stand out in a competitive marketplace."

Rewarding Partners: Earn as You Build Security Solutions

Dicker Data is helping partners accelerate their success by tapping into lucrative assessment incentives. Supported by our trusted technical resources, these incentives can help partners achieve $7500 for completing an assessment. This initiative not only rewards you for driving value but also strengthens your position as a trusted advisor to your customers. Dicker Data is uniquely positioned to help you take advantage of this incentive and can guide you every step of the way to achieving success and profitability.

How Dicker Data Supports Your Security Journey 

For over 7 years, Dicker Data has recognised the importance of helping partners build out their engagement and CX journey through dedicated resources and investments. We are also proud to exclusively partner with award winning Cisco ecosystem partner Taleka to help support partners on the lifecycle and adoption journey." - Dicker Data Cisco General Manager, Vickie Madeleine.

As Cisco's trusted distribution partner, Dicker Data is uniquely positioned to help you capitalise on the Cisco 360 Program, starting with Security. Our dedicated Cisco Security practice enables you to work with our presales engineers and security solutions architects to design and implement tailored solutions for your customers. Our team will help shorten your Go to Market cycle and reduce the stress on your business.  Gain access to cutting-edge training and resources to enhance your team's expertise and validate solutions with customers through our demo and proof-of-concept capabilities. Leverage our tailored marketing support to communicate your value effectively. 

Additional resources Cisco partners can access using their Cisco login credentials:

Please reach out to Ash Tattersall [email protected] for a one-on-one Cisco Partner Success Builder session.