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.