Mia Distribution wins Cisco's SMB networking portfolio

Cisco has appointed unified communications specialist Mia Distribution to help take its SMB-centric products to market.

The distributor was today named as a member of the Cisco Alternative Channel Partner (ACP) program, allowing Mia to distribute Cisco’s SME routers, switches and access points to partners that aren’t already covered by Cisco’s existing channel.

The new ACP program replaces Cisco’s Low Touch Model program for distributors.

“We are very excited to be onboarded as part of the ACP program by Cisco,” Mia sales and product manager Matt Milne said. “ We now have the ability to offer our channel market leading networking gear that bodes very well with our current UC offering.”

Mia also gained access to Cisco’s Fast Track and Commercial Xcelrate MSP programs, which rewards partners for purchasing Cisco kit from the vendor’s web portal.

“We hope to maximise points on offer via the Commercial Xcelrate program so our channel partners find the best value out of selling Cisco products and are rewarded for their efforts,” Milne added.

Cisco’s SMB segment director for ANZ Nykaj Nair reinforced Cisco’s recent push into the SMB space, saying the ACP program would leverage the ecosystems partners have to serve the SMB market.

“This partnership with Mia Distribution will help to share Cisco’s small business technology range, which is a comprehensive solution set for their customers. ACPs are enabled and managed by Cisco’s Distributors in Comstor, Ingram Micro and Dicker Data,” Nair said.

Cisco has brought its SMB focus to Australia in recent months, most notably with the announcement of a joint go-to-market plan with NBN Co to help transition small businesses to commercial internet connections.