Network Installation: Cisco's MSCP is Good News for Network Service Providers (Part 1 of 2)

 

 

When it comes to the network, Cisco has learned that a number of partners considering managed services are unable to operate or own a network operating center. With this knowledge, the world’s largest maker of computer networking gear is giving partners a helping hand through its recently revamped Managed Services Channel Program.

 

Under its next generation Managed Services Channel Program, Cisco eliminated the requirement that partners have their own network operating centers. Instead, partners can now work together to deliver a managed service using one network operations center through a so-called “white label” arrangement.

 

The new program lets partners participate in Cisco managed services when they couldn’t before. It also gives partners that own network operating centers greater access to markets beyond their reach.

 

Cisco’s Managed Service Channel Program also includes a certification tiers structure that is similar to Cisco’s broader partner program, with three levels: Master, Advanced, and a new level, called Express, which will better suited for smaller providers.

 

“Cisco is actively working with our channel partners to navigate the current economic challenges while investing for future growth,” Edison Peres, senior vice president, go-to-market group, worldwide channels, Cisco, said in a statement. “As channel partners look for help to navigate the challenging economic environment, we continue to … open up the program for more channel partners to participate.” 

 

Russ Maney (News - Alert), principal and co-founder of Xponential Group, a Louisville, Ky-based technology procurement services company, said Cisco is “spot on” with their renewed emphasis on managed services.

 

“Network Services Providers are the backbone and primary enablers of the ‘technology as a service’ trend, in all of its various forms: ‘Hosted’ services (including Hosted VoIP), cloud computing, and ‘software as a service,’” Maney told TMCnet in an interview.

 

Cisco’s revamped program is similar to other programs the company launched, Maney said. The program is largely based on managed services providers earning designations for having met corresponding sets of requirements, as laid out by Cisco.

 

Perhaps the key for managed services provider is to weigh the effort to join and continue participating in such a program with the value of the benefits received, Maney said. If previous Cisco partner programs are any guide, the benefits will be proportional to the amount of gear the provider buys and customers buy from Cisco, he said.