Cisco launches SMB offerings in APAC

Following the release of its second quarter earnings, Cisco is offering SMBs a range of technical services, the tripling of unified communications capabilities and the addition of four Ethernet switches.

The vendor also announced that its SMB channel initiative, Select Certification, has grown to nearly 1,000 channel partners worldwide.

Stuart Hendry, director of commercial operations APAC for Cisco said it has been cultivating opportunities in the SMB space for some time and is reaping the benefits, with SMBs representing Cisco’s fastest-growing global segment.

“SMBs are the backbone for any economy, so energising them with technology will lead to an indirect benefit to national wealth,” he said.

Hendry also stated that Unified Communications has been as significant focus for Cisco when tailoring solutions to SMB customers.

“One of the key technologies that Cisco feels will benefit SMBs is unified communications, which is why we are introducing a new suite of bundles for the Cisco Smart Business Communications System,” said Hendry.

To coincide with the release of two partner profitability incentives to SMB customers - Opportunity Incentive Program (OIP) and Partner Development Fund (PDF) - a collaborative platform utilising Web 2.0 technology was also launched.

Cisco Partner Space is designed to facilitate interaction and strengthen the relationship between customers and partners. According to Mike Allen, director of channel operations APAC for Cisco, the company is directing resources to channel programs to ensure smaller resellers aren’t missing out on opportunities in the SMB space.

“Cisco’s channel partner model is recognised as among the best in the industry, but it was always more difficult for a smaller reseller to gain entry. These smaller resellers, however, are the preferred IT trusted advisors for most SMBs when acquiring technology solutions,” he explained.