Cisco authorized resellers grow to 1,200

Cisco Systems Inc has announced a 100 percent increase

in the number of its authorized resellers in India to 1,200 from existing 600

till last year. This increase includes an increase in the number of Premier

Partners from 60 to 80.

Manoj Chugh, President (India and SAARC), Cisco Systems

said, "Cisco's business in India has been growing at three figure growth

rates over the past year. Our strategy to manage and sustain this growth has

been to consistently grow our business network across the country and focus on

small and medium businesses. This segment has proven to be the fastest growing

line of business for Cisco in India and we are confident that the expansion of

our partner network will only further fuel our growth."

He further added, "Cisco's focus to expand into the

secondary and Tier 2 markets in India, is a part of our commitment to grow the

Indian networking market. Last year, all estimates revealed that more and more

Indian's were expected to connect into the global Internet revolution. We

therefore invested heavily into expanding the breadth and quality of our channel

network."

All certified Cisco channel partners meet strict

standards for product knowledge, technical ability and customer support. Cisco

partners have access to Cisco products and solutions through the company's

wholesale distribution network. Premier, Silver and Gold partners have completed

progressively, rigorous requirements for training, staffing and support

capabilities. With a Cisco Certified Partner, customers can be sure that they

would always receive the most appropriate networking solution-installed,

configured and supported to meet their needs.

Speaking about Cisco Channel Partner Program, B Ashok,

Channels Manager, Cisco (India) said, "Cisco frequently organizes programs

such as the Cisco University Program, which works as a hands-on workshop

experience, ranging from two days to two weeks on various Cisco solutions.

Further, every reseller has access to Cisco Partner's intranet ecosystem called

the Cisco Connection Online (CCO). CCO provides updated and unrestricted

information on the entire range of Cisco products and solutions and provides

skill-building and skill-enhancing opportunities through Cisco's e-learning

initiatives."

The Cisco Premier certification level is designed to

recognize and reward the resellers with credibility in the marketplace. Premier

Certified Partners achieve the first Cisco certification level by completing

sales and technical training, and meeting other base requirements such as having

a certain number of Cisco certified engineers working for them and meeting the

stringent support requirements outlined by Cisco.