The Cisco Master Specialization is targeted at an elite group of partners that have the most in-depth technology skills and have demonstrated success in selling, deploying, and providing services for more sophisticated Cisco solutions. Partners with a highly qualified practice in a given technology can achieve Master Specialization regardless of their certification level. Additionally, Master Specialization provides a higher level of distinction for partners and helps to highlight the expertise they bring to their field.
Cisco currently offers the Master Unified Communications Specialization and Master Security Specialization. To achieve a Master Specialization, partners must first achieve the advanced specialization in that technology. Partners must then meet stringent requirements that demonstrate their capabilities, and establish a customer success track record in the following three areas:
Selling capability: Sales skills, sales personnel investments, product and solution knowledge, Cisco prescribed demonstration capabilities, and customer references that include Cisco prescribed solution and services.
Services capability and methodology: Ability to provide services assessment across the Prepare, Plan, Design, Implement, Operate, and Optimize phases of the Cisco Lifecycle Services approach; ability to meet ISO prescribed skills for specific Cisco services.
To protect the integrity and value of the Master Specialization, Cisco employs an annual onsite audit requirement to provide further validation of a partner's technology skills, and services capabilities.
Cisco Master Specialized Partners enjoy the following benefits:
Branding: Master Specialization offers the greatest differentiation and branding opportunities, which partners can integrate into their customer sales efforts, marketing plans, and company value proposition.
Profitability and growth opportunities: Cisco Master Specialized Partners receive the highest Value Incentive Program rebate as a reward for their capabilities in providing value-added services, for their commitment to customer success, and for their loyalty to Cisco. Cisco Unified Communications and Security sales drive higher-margin services, and end-to-end business solutions that help partners build trusted, sustainable relationships with customers.
Marketing: Cisco promotes the Master Specialization distinction to customers through product and solution launches, Cisco events, press announcements, and a comprehensive suite of co-marketing materials that partners can use to accelerate their marketing efforts (e.g., customer brochures, e-mail templates, presentations, artwork, branding, Web banners, and partner messaging). Cisco Master Specialized Partners are clearly highlighted in the enhanced customer-facing Partner Locator tool.
Recognition: The value of the Cisco Master Specialization is promoted to the Cisco sales organization through internal training and promotion. Furthermore, Cisco Master Specialized Partners are recognized on the enhanced Partner Locator Tool, a key resource for the Cisco sales organization as partners engage with our joint customers.
