Q and A

A:  The intent of this program is to provide valuable Cisco Data Center Networking training along specific Data Center Networking product families and technologies and to recognize partners for developing expertise in Data Center Networking and IP infrastructure-based networked solutions. This program supports Cisco’s Data Center 3.0 vision. Its focuses on the features and benefits of the Cisco Nexus Family Switches, Catalyst 6500 Series Switches, Cisco 4900 Series Switches, and Cisco Catalyst Blade Switch families and Cisco ACE family products. Cisco Data Center Networking Sales Specialist professionals understand how the Cisco Catalyst and Blade Switch families of products are used in a Data Center Network environment and can identify the most effective Cisco Catalyst or Blade Switch family product(s) to address specific customer requirements. They also understand the features and benefits of the Cisco Application Control Engine Services Module and Appliance, the Cisco Global Site Selector and the Cisco Application Network Manager to create a scalable high performance Data Center design.

The program will enhance a partner's ability to compete in the Data Center Networking market including data center networking as well as applications networking. It also increases the partner's value to customers in general, and to each customer's complex Data Center Networking needs in specific.

A:  The following Cisco Qualified Specialist badges delineate the positions that comprise the Advanced DCNI specialization:

DCNS:
The Cisco Data Center Networking Sales Specialist demonstrates an overall understanding of Data Center networking architecture, and the features and benefits of the Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switches, Cisco 4948 Switches, and Cisco Catalyst Blade Switch families. Cisco Data Center Networking Sales Specialist professionals understand how the Cisco Catalyst and Blade Switch families of products are used in a Data Center Network environment and can identify the most effective Cisco Catalyst or Blade Switch family product(s) to address specific customer requirements. They also understand the features and benefits of the Cisco Application Control Engine Services Module and Appliance, the Cisco Global Site Selector and the Cisco Application Network Manager to create a scalable high performance Data Center design.

DCNI-D
The Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure Design Specialist certification validates an individual's knowledge of selecting and integrating Cisco Data Center products and applications to architect a highly scalable, efficient, and reliable Data Center networking environment. Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure Design Specialist Professionals understand how to utilize and employ the features and benefits of the Nexus 5000 and 7000 Switches, select Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switches, Cisco 4948 and 4900M Switches, and Cisco Catalyst Blade Switches to create a converged, optimized Data Center network design.

DCNI -1
The Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure Support Specialist certification contains both the DCNI-1 and DCNI-2 exams. DCNI-1 validates an individual's knowledge of integrating, optimizing and operating Cisco Data Center products and applications to architect a highly scalable, efficient, and reliable Data Center networking environment. Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure Support Specialist Professionals understand how to integrate and implement the features and benefits of select Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switches, Cisco 4948 and 4900M Switches, and Cisco Catalyst Blade Switches to create a converged, optimized Data Center network design.

DCNI - 2
The Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure Support Specialist certification contains both the DCNI-1 and DCNI-2 exams. DCNI-2 validates an individual's knowledge of integrating, optimizing and operating Cisco Data Center products and applications to architect a highly scalable, efficient, and reliable Data Center networking environment. Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure Support Specialist Professionals understand how to integrate and implement the features and benefits of Cisco Nexus 5000 and 7000 switches, Cisco Catalyst 6500 Series Switches, Cisco 4948 and 4900M Switches, and Cisco Catalyst Blade Switches to create a converged, optimized Data Center network design.

DCAS-D
The Cisco Data Center Application Services Design Specialist certification validates an individual's presales knowledge of selecting and integrating Cisco Data Center Application Services products to design a highly scalable, efficient, and high performance Data Center Application Services solution based on Cisco’s Data Center Architecture. Cisco Data Center Networking Application Services Design Specialist Professionals understand how to utilize and employ the features and benefits of the Cisco Application Control Engine Services Module and Appliance, the Cisco Global Site Selector and the Cisco Application Network Manager to create a scalable high performance Data Center design.

DCAS-I
The Cisco Data Center Application Services Implementation Specialist certification validates an individual's post sales knowledge of implementing, integrating, troubleshooting, and maintaining Cisco Data Center Application Services products in a highly scalable, efficient, and high performance Data Center Application Services solution based on Cisco’s Data Center Architecture Cisco Data Center Networking Application Services Implementation Specialist Professionals understand how to utilize and deploy the features and benefits of the Cisco Application Control Engine Services Module and Appliance, the Cisco Global Site Selector and the Cisco Application Network Manager to create a scalable high performance Data Center design.

A:  A typical partner for this program may be defined as a solution provider partner currently active in the Ethernet-based networking market who seek a broader opportunity enabled by Cisco Data Center Infrastructure solutions including both infrastructure and applications networking services and solutions. The program is intended for all Cisco Channel Partners currently registered in good standing within the Cisco Channel Program who:

• Focus on network solution sales and have an existing resale relationship that has been approved by Cisco Systems (direct or through distribution).
• Want to take full advantage of the Cisco Data Center Networking Infrastructure to design and implement Data Center Networking solutions with advanced Cisco networking features such as Nexus, 5000, Nexus 7000, Catalyst 4900 and 6500 switches, Catalyst blade switches offered through Cisco OEM partners, and optional solutions modules such as the Firewall Service Module (FWSM) and Intrusion Detection Service Module (IDSM). In addition, the product set include the full slate of ACE products to cover Applications Networking Services.

In addition, the program may also appeal to existing Cisco partners holding non-Data Center Specializations that currently have a desire to build a Data Center organization and practice.

A:  The same rules apply as in other advanced specializations. For instance, an AM can hold four AM roles in different specializations. An SE and FE can hold one other SE and FE position. However, the Data Center Applications Design Specialist and the Data Center Applications Support Specialist are not classified as “roles”:and can be held by anyone in any specialization without restricting role sharing restrictions. Thus, a partner can hold Advanced Routing and Switching (AR&S) and Advanced DCNI with 3 people covering all 3 roles in AR&S and the 3 roles of AM, SE and FE and also the DCAS Design and Support Specialists positions, which live outside the role sharing rules. In this way, DCNI and AR&S can be held by 3 individuals.

A:  No. The Cisco go-to-market strategy for the products and solutions represented in the DCNI Specialization requires partners to source through their currently established distribution partner according to their Cisco Channel Partner status.

A:  The program will help partners that wish to develop an expertise in Data Center Networking and IP-based networked solutions including Applications Networking.. The program will enhance a partner's ability to compete in the Data Center Networking market and increases the partner's value to customers and their complex Data Center Networking needs. The Data Center Networking Infrastructure Specialization program:

• Provides VIP benefits to participant partners.
• Complements Cisco's Active end-user go-to-market strategy
• Elevates core competencies - recognizing expertise in Data Center Networking and IP infrastructure-based networked solutions
• Forms an essential part of a multi-tiered capability for overall Data Center customer solutions
• Establishes the partner on Cisco's Partner Locator as a Data Center Networking Infrastructure Specialized partner
• Establishes eligibility for special program benefits to be offered to participating partners in the future as new products and solutions are introduced

A:  Yes. Partners must be a Cisco Registered Partner, which is a prerequisite for all partners who are participating in partner programs. Become a Cisco Registered Partner

A:  Yes. Each job role identified within the Data Center Networking Infrastructure Specialization is aligned to an individual Cisco career certification. The Sales Specialist in the DCNI program for example must hold a CSE certification. Please see Role Requirements section for a detailed listing of requirements.

A:  Specializations are valid for one year. Partners are required to re-apply annually.

A:  Visit SupportNet. The Cisco support team will assist you and try to answer any questions that you may have.

A:  Refer to the Specialized Partner Overview and, more specifically, to www.cisco.com/go/dcni.