Q: What is the ATP program?
A: The objective of the Cisco Authorized Technology Provider (ATP) Program is to bring emerging technologies to market. As a particular technology progresses along the adoption curve and becomes more standardized, it can evolve into a specialization. ATP offerings not only help define the necessary knowledge and skills to bring emerging technologies to market, but also provides a program to support the services required for a particular technology.
Q: How are Specializations different than ATPs?
A: Specializations focus on more established technologies and products and participation is open to Cisco partners worldwide. In contrast, ATPs focus on emerging, incubator type technologies and are open to partners who already possess acceptable job/industry/market credentials in the ATP focused technology. After a Cisco sponsor nominates a partner qualified in a relevant technology and they are accepted into the program, the partner then must meet program requirements specific to that technology. These requirements guide partners through rigorous training and knowledge validation to help them develop and demonstrate expertise.
Q: What are the benefits of participating in the ATP program?
A: The Cisco ATP designation enhances the value of a partner company and provides partners the opportunity to enter into new markets. Partner expertise in various technology areas also enables differentiation from competitors, and increased credibility with customers. Once ATP partners complete all program requirements, they are listed in the Cisco Partner Locator.
Q: How to participate in the ATP program?
A: Potential partners must already possess acceptable job/industry/market credentials in the ATP focused technology which makes the ATP Program extremely restrictive. Participation in this program is by nomination from your Cisco sponsor Channel Account Manager, System Engineer, Program Manager, or Product Manager.