Cisco has recently introduced a new channel program that assists providers that offer high-value, advanced technology-based managed services, and, at the highest level, offers a new “Cisco Powered Managed Service” designation.

Managed Service Channel Program

The Managed Service Channel Program establishes a set of business rules and processes that accelerate managed service development and that build trust with businesses. Qualifying services can receive discounts on Cisco customer premise equipment (CPE), on a sliding scale, based on the quality of the user’s experience.

Cisco Powered Managed Services

At the highest tier, managed services that undergo a third-party audit demonstrating that the service meets these new user experience standards receive higher discounts and are able to brand the service as a Cisco Powered Managed Service. This brand differentiates the service to businesses and, by building trust that standards have been met, can accelerate the adoption of IP-based managed services. Cisco Powered Managed Services also receive all the membership benefits of the Cisco Powered program, including service creation resources, marketing and sales resources, and technical training opportunities.

Services now eligible to apply for Cisco Powered Managed Service status are:

Managed Connectivity
            Managed IP Trunking
            Managed Internet Access
            Managed MPLS VPN
            Managed Metro Ethernet

Managed Security
            Managed Firewall
            Managed IDS/IPS

Managed Unified Communications
            Managed Business Communications
            Managed Unified Contact Center