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Cisco Unveils the Cisco 360 Partner Program

Introduction
On January 26, 2026, Cisco made waves in the tech industry by launching the Cisco 360 Partner Program, developed in close collaboration with partners over a period of fifteen months. This initiative positions Cisco as a pivotal player in the ever-evolving artificial intelligence landscape, promising to expedite transformative AI outcomes for its customers.

A Focus on Partnership
The essence of the Cisco 360 Partner Program lies in its collaborative nature. Designed specifically with input from partners, Cisco is not just offering solutions but creating an ecosystem that allows partners to thrive. Tim Coogan, Senior Vice President of Global Partner Sales at Cisco, elaborated on this vision, asserting that this program will enhance the value provided to customers and drive predictable profitability for partners.

The program encompasses a variety of partner types including developers, consultants, managed services providers, and resellers. Its objective is to empower partners to respond effectively to customer needs in AI-ready data centers, resilient workplaces, and other digital transformation initiatives.

Key Features of the Program
At its core, the Cisco 360 Partner Program is aimed at simplifying the partner experience while maximizing success. One of its standout features is the Cisco Partner Locator tool. This tool enables customers to effortlessly find suitable partners equipped with key skills across various Cisco portfolios, such as Security, Networking, Collaboration, Services, Cloud, and AI Infrastructure.

As companies strive to gain a competitive edge through AI readiness, the program acknowledges the need for skilled partners capable of delivering appropriate infrastructure, services, and AI solutions. This initiative rewards partners at every stage of the customer lifecycle, ensuring they are well-equipped to provide secure, agile, and reliable solutions that facilitate customer transformations.

In addition to facilitating partner accessibility, the program introduces several resources tailored to enhance partner outcomes. For instance, Cisco’s Partner Incentive (CPI) initiative promises clearer, predictable earnings for participants across Cisco's diverse portfolio, thereby aligning sales focus with growth strategies.

Partner Distinctions
The program boasts designations that enable customers to pinpoint partners possessing the necessary capabilities. All active members will be recognized as registered Cisco Partners, while Cisco Portfolio Partners will showcase verified sales and technical expertise. The highest tier, Cisco Preferred Partners, will demonstrate advanced skills and thorough engagement with the customer lifecycle.

Furthermore, Cisco is launching new tools and resources to help partners seize market opportunities. This includes the Partner Value Index - a primary assessment framework that seeks to align different partner categories within Cisco’s ecosystem, ultimately boosting value and profitability for all involved parties.

The introduction of innovative resources such as the new Rebates, Cisco Developer/Advisor Indexes, and an enhanced AI Assistant for the Partner Experience Platform ensures that partners can tailor their offerings dynamically to meet customer demands.

Conclusion
Cisco’s concerted effort to redesign the 360 Partner Program reflects its commitment to creating long-lasting partnerships that foster mutual success. Insight from early adopters has indicated positive initial impacts stemming from the program's features, further validating Cisco's investment in refining its partner ecosystem.

As Elisabeth De Dobbeleer, Senior Vice President of Cisco Partner Program, explains, the Cisco 360 Partner Program exemplifies Cisco's vision of making their ecosystem's unique value clear to the market. By focusing on transformative outcomes and collective success, Cisco is not merely adapting to the AI era but leading the charge toward a more collaborative and profitable future in technology.