Cisco to help cloud partners

Trade

Cisco Systems has joined the stampede of IT providers eager to launch a cloud partner programme.

Unveiling its Cloud Partner Programme, Cisco said it has set up three levels for partners: Cloud Builder, Cloud Provider and Cloud Reseller.

Ralph Nimergood, who is Cisco’s VP with responsibility for data centre and cloud aspects, said the new programme provides “a well defined roadmap” to help partners to determine what roles they want to play with Cisco in the cloud market.

First of the three levels is Cloud Builder, which Cisco says is for partners who design and set up private clouds for customers. To qualify, partners must hold Cisco’s sales and implementation competencies in cloud infrastructure and cloud management.

Level two, Cloud Provider, encompasses partners offering public cloud services. The programme will offer partners Cisco’s Jumpstart financing, market development funding and access to channel partners. In addition they will get enablement tools and reference architecture support, including branding and creation support.

Finally, Cloud Reseller is for OEM partners and those resell Cisco’s offerings. Cisco, working with the Cloud Provider, will recruit and train partners and help them generate demand.

The programme is slated for a summer launch.

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