Announcement: Retirement of Security VPN/Firewall Express Specialization

Announcement Date: July 13, 2007
Last day to apply for or renew specialization applications: February 1, 2008
Retirement Date: February 1, 2009

Cisco will retire the Security VPN/Firewall Express Specialization effective February 1, 2009.

• Partners currently holding a Cisco Security VPN/Firewall Express Specialization may renew their specialization application on or before February 1, 2008. Partners that renew their specialization before the February 1, 2008 deadline will retain the specialization for the term of one additional year from their renewal application date. Renewals must be completed online. All existing Cisco Security VPN/Firewall Express Specializations will be retired at the end of their term, or by February 1, 2009.
• Partners that wish to apply for a new Security VPN/Firewall Express Specialization will need to qualify for, complete, and submit the specialization application no later than February 1, 2008. Partners that successfully achieve the specialization before the February 1, 2008 application deadline will hold the specialization for the term of one year. Applications must be completed online. All existing Cisco Security VPN/Firewall Express Specializations will be retired at the end of their term, or by February 1, 2009.

Cisco's portfolio of security offerings continues to expand to meet a widening range of customer needs. The Security VPN/Firewall Express Specialization has as its foundation products that are no longer part of Cisco’s strategy. Therefore the specialization is being retired. Partners with a security practice are encouraged to deepen their expertise to include the many new solutions available from Cisco. Achieving the Cisco Advanced Security Specialization can help you differentiate your business and accelerate growth and profitability.

For partners that wish to offer broad, multitechnology capabilities to their customers, the SMB Specialization or the Express Foundation Specialization offer a shorter route to market and faster entry into the award-winning Cisco Channel Partner Program. Each of these specializations also carries benefits intended to accelerate growth and profitability.

Learn more about Cisco specializations, including the SMB Specialization, Express Foundation Specialization, and Advanced Security Specialization. If you have any questions about the retirement of the Cisco Security VPN/Firewall Express Specialization, please contact your channel account manager.

Thank you for your continued support of the Cisco Channel Partner Program.

Cisco Channel Partner Program Team