Announcement Date: March 14, 2006
Last day to apply for or Renew Specialization Applications: June 14, 2006
Retirement Date: March 1, 2007

Cisco Systems® is introducing its enhanced Channel Partner Program, including six new specializations:

1. Advanced Routing and Switching Specialization
2. Advanced Security Specialization
3. Advanced Unified Communications Specialization
4. Advanced Wireless LAN Specialization
5. Express Foundation Specialization
6. Express Unified Communications Specialization

Cisco is also announcing the retirement of the following specializations:

1. IP Communications Specialization
2. IP Communications Express Specialization
3. Routing and Switching Specialization
4. Wireless LAN Specialization
5. VPN/Security Specialization

We are encouraging partners to pursue the new specializations as their existing specializations expire. To allow sufficient time for this transition, we will automatically extend the expiration date for the retiring specialization(s) to September 30, 2006. Specializations are a core component of the enhanced Channel Partner Program. Cisco understands that partners will need time to prepare for and align with the enhanced program, and has made available the following options:

1. Renewal date between March 14, 2006 and June 14, 2006
   
   Partners whose specializations renewal dates are between March 14, 2006 and June 14, 2006, can apply for or renew these retired specializations. Please note that the retiring specializations renewed between those dates will be valid for 12 months if the partner’s anniversary date falls after March 1, 2007; however, these specializations will not apply toward qualification in the enhanced Channel Partner Program. The last day to submit your application for the retired specialization is June 14, 2006.
   
   Partners whose specializations renewal dates are between March 14, 2006 and June 14, 2006, are encouraged to apply for the new specializations.
2. Renewal date on or after June 15, 2006
   
   Partners whose specializations renewal dates fall on or after June 15, 2006 can only apply for the new specializations. Applying for the retired specializations is no longer an option.

If you choose not to pursue any of these options, any specialization that was extended to September 30, 2006 will automatically be deleted and points associated with your retired specialization(s) will be lost, which could affect your certification status.

• Enhanced Channel Partner Program Transition Guidelines
• Specialization Requirements
• Apply for a Specialization
    Once you have met the requirements for the specialization you are pursuing, you may apply for the specialization.
• Partner Helpline
    For any questions regarding the specialization process, please open a case via the Partner Help tool.

Cisco Channel Specialization Team