Cisco’s new 360 Partner Programme aims to boost AI skills and profitability

Cisco is set to launch its comprehensive 360 Partner Programme in January 2026, featuring expanded training, incentives, and specialisations to empower channel partners in the AI-driven technology landscape.

Cisco is intensifying its preparations ahead of the launch of its new Cisco 360 Partner Programme, scheduled for January 25, 2026, with an expanded range of training, incentives, and specialisations designed to empower its channel partners for the evolving technology landscape dominated by artificial intelligence (AI).

At this week’s Partner Summit event in San Diego, Cisco highlighted the extensive enablement resources it is rolling out, aimed at boosting partner sales and technical expertise. Central to this is the Cisco Partner Learning Journeys, which provide structured support for partner staff, and an AI Assistant for Partners designed to streamline access to critical tools. Additionally, Cisco is offering Advanced Cloud Demo Experiences, virtual lab environments that simulate real customer conditions to help partners better demonstrate and tailor solutions. The company has also integrated the AI Infrastructure Specialist Certification into its Learn with Cisco portfolio, particularly within the CCNP Datacentre Certification track, to ensure partners develop in-demand AI skills.

Cisco is launching new specialisation pathways to enable partners to distinguish their expertise in key growth areas. Among these, Secure AI Infrastructure and Secure Networking specialisations will become available from February 2026, providing avenues for partners to deepen capabilities while unlocking performance-related bonuses. The emphasis remains on aligning partner rewards with customer needs, reflecting Cisco’s strategy to incentivise growth sectors such as campus infrastructure refresh, AI adoption, security, and premium service renewals.

The revised Cisco Partner Incentive programme introduces an Eligible Offers list and adjusted rebate rates, incentivising partners to broaden both their portfolio and specialisation depth. Further rewards include cross-sell bonuses and next-generation specialisation bonuses, underscoring Cisco’s focus on linking profitability with delivering value in an AI-driven world.

Elisabeth De Dobbeleer, senior vice-president of the Cisco Partner Programme, described Cisco 360 as more than recognition, emphasising that it aims to empower partners to “thrive at the centre of Cisco’s innovation.” She stressed that by investing in partner capabilities and providing comprehensive tools, Cisco is enhancing its ecosystem’s ability to deliver superior customer outcomes in an AI-powered market.

Ensuring early engagement in the programme’s design has been a key priority for Cisco. Brian Ortbals, senior vice-president of World Wide Technology, affirmed that partners’ input was actively sought during development, appreciating Cisco’s commitment to mutual growth. Analyst Jay McBain of Canalys highlighted the importance of transparency in partner programmes, praising Cisco’s clear rules, meaningful incentives, and recognitions as drivers for stronger partner engagement and improved profitability.

Beyond training and incentives, Cisco is also enabling partners with marketing resources. Ahead of the January launch, the Cisco 360 LaunchPad and branding toolkit will provide partners with materials to effectively communicate their enhanced expertise and the programme’s benefits to customers.

The new partner programme represents a significant investment, with Cisco committing $80 million toward training and development to accelerate partners’ skill evolution. This transformation aligns with Cisco’s broader strategy to foster an agile, collaborative ecosystem, where partners can fully capitalise on opportunities presented by modern infrastructure demands, AI workloads, and heightened security requirements.

Cisco 360 is positioned as a comprehensive evolution from previous initiatives, introducing enhanced partner experience platforms and the Partner Value Index. These elements aim to increase transparency around partner performance and growth prospects, fostering more predictable and productive partnerships.

In summary, the upcoming Cisco 360 Partner Programme is a strategically designed effort to equip Cisco’s channel partners with the knowledge, incentives, and marketing support to excel in an AI-centric technology environment, while also delivering measurable business value to their customers.

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• ^[1] (Computer Weekly) – Paragraphs 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
• ^[2] (Cisco Newsroom) – Paragraphs 1, 11
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Source: Noah Wire Services