Cisco includes Linksys' Aussie resellers in integration plans

Sara Adams, regional sales manager, SMB Cisco Australia, confirmed with CRN that the vendor’s new global partner initiative included its A/NZ partners.

According to Adams, Cisco is firmly encouraging Linksys’ small business channel partners to join its partner program.

“Cisco Australia is supporting the global initiative to incorporate Linksys’ Small-Business Channel Partner Program services and assets into Cisco’s Channel Partner Program,” Adams said.

“This process includes bringing the Linksys Business Series products into the Cisco SMB portfolio and providing Cisco channel partners with access to a more diverse solution set to allow for more choice and increased revenue potential.”

Adams told CRN that more than 20,000 Linksys global channel partners (800 from Australia and New Zealand) will have the opportunity to become part of the Cisco Channel Partner Program, from now until 16 September. She said resellers not part of Cisco’s channel program will still be able to purchase Linksys products.

“It will be an easy transition to Cisco’s channel program. We have an open channel model and anybody can join,” Adams said. “There will be no limit to the number of channel partners joining from Linksys and the Linksys small business team will be making a concerted effort to make sure partners understand the benefits of coming over.”

According to Adams no changes will be made to Linksys’ distributor list. Linksys’ “extra distributor” Multimedia Technology, will now come under the Cisco banner.

Adams claimed a unified channel partner program offers broader solution choices and will increase revenue opportunities.

“The SMB channel and technology integration represents a broader company focus on the SMB opportunity with an increased focus on the small-business segment of the SMB market,” she said.

Cisco channel partner benefits include access to demonstration equipment, financial incentives, sales support via Small Business Market Managers, lead generation via the SMB website on Cisco.com, and access to marketing resources such as Cisco Campaign Builder, and Cisco Partner Central, she said.

Adams said Cisco was still committed to the Linksys business. “This SMB channel partner program expansion does not affect the Linksys consumer sales efforts. Linksys will remain focused as a Cisco division charged with developing consumer-focused solutions found through retail and online storefronts,” she said.

Linksys was not available for comment at the time of press.