Cisco ploughs more into SME channel

Cisco has further invested in its SME channel by adding pre-sales technical support and a new hardware advanced-replacement service specifically designed for the smaller customers.

The networking giant is also expanding its portfolio of small business technology with new enhanced networking, security and collaboration solutions, and has continued to invest in its partner profitability and financing programmes to help channel partners and their SME customers accelerate their business.

Ian Pennell, co-chairman of the Cisco Small Business Council, said: “We’re proud of our accomplishments this past year and are extremely focused on continuing to build and deliver the right technologies, services and support, and profitability programmes to help our partners and small business customers accelerate their business as the economy recovers.”

Included in the new service and support offerings is Cisco Partner Design Support, which offers complimentary assistance to partners in the design, installation and configuration stages in nine different languages via phone or online chat. Also offered is Cisco Small Business Pro Rapid Replacement Service. which provides four-hour hardware replacement plus 24-hour technical support and coverage for Cisco Small Business Pro products.

The vendor has expanded its portfolio to include more than 600 networking, security and communication products aimed at smaller customers.

It has also pledged its allegiance to helping partner profitability with its Small Business Partner Development Programme, already helping Select partners grow their Cisco business as much as 42 per cent.

Andrew Sage, vice president of worldwide small business sales at Cisco, added: “With the Cisco Small Business Advantage, our partners have all the essential tools necessary to help them be successful and profitable in the small business market.”

Cisco’s small business efforts have been praised by partners so far.

Gia McNutt, chief executive of Special Order Systems, said: “Over the past year, Cisco has demonstrated that it is 100-per cent committed to the small business market. Most enterprise-focused companies have produced mini-versions of products for small businesses, but not in this case.

“Cisco has built solutions specifically for the small business market, which has helped partners like me solve my customers’ business issues."

Adrian Biesecker, chief executive of BBC Biochemical, added: “We needed to connect two sister companies that share office space to cut costs and share company information to help us both perform better, while keeping our sensitive patient information separate and private.

“Cisco was the only company that came to the table with everything we needed and the results have been flawless.”