At its annual channel conference in Las Vegas this week the company launched a suite of new products targeting SMBs, and revamped its channel program to allow for a new entry level certification for channel partners with a primary focus on small business.
At the heart of the launch is the Cisco Smart Business Communications System, a simple, complete and highly secure platform for enabling anytime anywhere access to information.
“Cisco's success is built on listening to customers and partners to capitalize on market transitions. Three years ago they asked us to transform our SMB strategy in order to better address their specialised needs,” Cisco chairman and chief executive John Chambers said.
“Today we are the network leader in the SMB market. As we continue to raise the bar in terms of our investments in and offerings to SMBs, we believe we are uniquely positioned to deliver the total communications experience they require,” he said.
The system employs new hardware products, integrated unified communications applications and system-management tools designed to complement each other and provide communication building blocks for small businesses, the company said.
The new products include the Cisco Unified Communications 500 Series, a platform that includes IP telephony software features for VoIP, internet conmnectivity with firewall protection, virtual private networks (VPNs) and wireless LAN access.
In addition to announcing it first new certification in more than 10 years, Cisco also unveiled its first market segment specialisation – SMB Specialisation. These program enhancements will help accelerate growth and foster differentiation in the channel, by providing the tools, training and incentives that meet the needs of today's SMB-focused partners.
The Cisco Smart Business Communications System will be available through worldwide channels in June 2007. The US list price for the system will start at US$699 (A$860) per seat, which includes the network with complete Cisco Unified Communications system capabilities and a Cisco Unified IP Phone.
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