The Cisco 360 Partner Program officially launched today after fifteen months of collaborative development with partners worldwide. This comprehensive initiative is designed to help businesses accelerate their AI transformation journey by connecting them with expert partners who can deliver AI-ready data centers, future-proofed workplaces, and enhanced digital resilience.
Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO) announced the program launch from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, emphasizing its commitment to strengthening partnerships in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. The new framework supports developers, consultants, managed services providers, resellers, and various other partner business models, equipping them with tools and resources to deliver transformative customer outcomes.
Enhanced Partner Designations and Customer Benefits
The Cisco 360 Partner Program introduces clear partner designations to help customers identify the right expertise for their needs. All participants are recognized as registered Cisco Partners, while Cisco Portfolio Partners demonstrate proven sales and technical expertise with strong customer engagement. Cisco Preferred Partners offer the highest level of service with advanced technical skills and comprehensive end-to-end solution capabilities.
Customers can now use the new Cisco Partner Locator tool to search for qualified partners across key portfolios including Security, Networking, Collaboration, Services, Splunk, and Cloud and AI Infrastructure. This streamlined approach makes it easier than ever to build the right partner team for specific business requirements.
Predictable Earnings Through Cisco Partner Incentive
The new Cisco Partner Incentive (CPI) streamlines previous program elements and offers partners clearer, more predictable earnings across Cisco’s entire portfolio. Partners can now better plan for growth by aligning their sales focus and go-to-market strategies with Cisco’s roadmap. CPI bonuses are available to increase partner earning potential, with a focus on One Cisco initiatives including new Secure Networking and Secure AI Infrastructure specializations through July 2026.
New Resources and Tools for Partner Success
Partners gain access to several new resources designed to differentiate and grow their customer offerings. Partner Value Indexes (PVI) will soon add dedicated indexes for Developers/Advisors, Mass-Scale Infrastructure, and Distributors with tailored learning paths. The new Distributor Development Fund drives stronger alignment between Cisco and distributors, focusing on partner growth and enablement. An enhanced Cisco AI Assistant for the Partner Experience Platform helps partners work more efficiently and focus on delivering customer value.
Industry Leaders Embrace the New Program
“With our partners, we’ve strengthened what is already a world-class ecosystem to deliver even greater value and help our mutual customers connect, protect and thrive.”
Tim Coogan, Senior Vice President of Global Partner Sales at Cisco
“The Cisco 360 Partner Program helps us differentiate based on our expertise. We appreciate that we’re measured on the value we bring; that only benefits our mutual customers.”
Nicko Roussos, Senior Vice President, Cisco Strategy & Transformation, TD Synnex
According to Cisco’s recent AI Readiness Index, being AI ready represents a significant competitive advantage for companies. Meeting these needs requires expert partners collaborating to provide essential infrastructure, services, and AI-native capabilities. The program recognizes partner expertise and rewards value creation across the entire customer lifecycle, empowering partners to provide secure, agile solutions that support customers through digital transformation.
Future Outlook for AI-Ready Partnerships
Industry analysts view the program as a bridge to a new partner model that is high-touch, high-value, outcome-based, and AI-ready. Partners who embrace the Partner Value Index as a business plan rather than just a scorecard are positioned to achieve unprecedented profitability in 2026 and beyond. The program’s focus on clarity, predictability, and customer outcomes aligns with the evolving needs of businesses navigating the AI era.
