Cisco has announced a significant evolution of its partner programme, the Cisco 360 Partner Program. Set to redefine partner success, the new initiative focuses on addressing the complex needs of customers, modernising infrastructure and powering AI workloads. The programme includes an US$80m investment into skills enhancement and training initiatives. Rolled out over a 15-month period, the Cisco 360 Program is set to be fully implemented and launched by February 2026.
Groundbreaking Evolution in the Cisco Partner Program
In a move that underscores their commitment to meeting the complex and rapidly evolving needs of clients, Cisco has announced a significant shift in their partnership support, and according to Cisco the most significant evolution in nearly three decades. The newly launched Cisco 360 Partner Program is set to change the way partners create and deliver value to customers.
Strategic Shift to Meet Market Demands
The Cisco 360 Partner Program reflects Cisco’s strategic shift to better serve the needs of their customers in an increasingly competitive market. By prioritising value over transactions, the programme aims to measure how effectively partners meet customer needs and leverage the strength of Cisco’s partner ecosystem for growth. It is designed to enhance the partner experience with simplified processes and innovative ways to track performance.
A Significant Investment in Skills Development
With Cisco investing $80 million in partner initiatives, with the goal of boosting skill levels and providing the tools necessary to compete, the bulk, $60 million, will go towards supporting qualified partners with benefits such as all-access subscriptions to Cisco U for skill development and certification. The remaining $20 million will fund quarterly training events, focusing on areas such as AI, security and networking.
Cisco 360: A Program for the Future
The Cisco 360 Partner Program is inclusive of several key features. It includes a simplified framework for recognising partner value and a new way to differentiate partner status. The program also plans to shift from traditional Architecture Specialisations to Solution-Based Specialisations, and ultimately to next-generation specialisations accessible only to Preferred Partners.
Supporting Partners in Transition
The Cisco 360 Partner Program will transition gradually, with full implementation expected by February 2026. Cisco assures that current investments will be recognised until the program is fully implemented, safeguarding partner investments.
“Today, it’s about helping customers unlock the power of technology to achieve their business outcomes. That’s the foundation of the Cisco 360 Partner Program. Whether through lifecycle practices, technical capabilities, or managed services, partners can drive profitable growth with our new value-based program. With a 15-month transition, partners have time to prepare and maximise their potential in Cisco 360 Partner Program,” said Rodney Clark, Senior Vice President of Partnerships and Small and Medium Business at Cisco.
Final Thoughts
The Cisco 360 Partner Program represents a significant shift in Cisco’s approach to partnerships. With an emphasis on value over transactions and a hefty investment in skills development, it’s clear that Cisco is committed to not just evolving with the market, but leading it. As partners prepare to transition to this new programme over the coming months, it will be interesting to see how this new approach impacts not only the partner experience, but the customer experience as well. As always, the proof will be in the execution, hopefully it sets a new standard for partner programmes in the tech industry.
FAQs
Q: What is the main goal of the Cisco 360 Partner Program?
A: The main goal of the Cisco 360 Partner Program is to accelerate the value partners bring to customers by better addressing their rapidly evolving and complex needs— modernising infrastructure, powering AI workloads anywhere, and keeping customers’ organisations secure, resilient and high-performing.
Q: What is the timeframe for the transition to the new Cisco 360 partner program?
A: Cisco will guide partners through a 15-month transition period leading up to the launch in February 2026.
Q: How will the new program redefine success for Cisco partners?
A: The new program will redefine success by measuring value over transactions and focusing on how partners serve the needs and ambitions of their customers while harnessing the collective strength of Cisco’s partner ecosystem.
Q: What is the significance of the $80 million skills investment announced by Cisco?
A: The $80 million investment will enhance the partner experience by providing support for skill development, certification, and training events focusing on AI, security and networking.
Q: What are the two designations Cisco partners can earn under the new Cisco 360 partner program?
A: Partners can earn the designations of Cisco Partner and Cisco Preferred Partner for each portfolio, such as Security or Networking, allowing partners to be recognised and market themselves accordingly.
Q: How will Cisco support partners during the transition to the new Cisco 360 program?
A: Cisco will ensure that current levels, roles, and lifecycle practice investments are recognised until the program is fully implemented in February 2026, protecting partner investments during the transition period.
