Cisco Systems Corp.’s Value Incentive Program (VIP) is getting some tweaks.
Since its debut way back in 2001, the VIP program has literally ensured the profitability of loyal Cisco channel partners. Certain elements of the VIP program have been successful expanded into their own plans such as the Solution Incentive Program (SIP) and the Opportunity Incentive Program (OIP).
One of the biggest changes is that the Express track is now integrated into VIP. It will no longer be on its own.
Cisco’s VIP tweaks have been developed to align with the company’s architectural strategy and on new market trends.
One of those new trends is on borderless networking. That area of VIP will now come in two varieties an enterprise networking track with four subtracks that will include the Internet of Things. The second track is all about security and will contain three subtracks featuring technology from the acquired SourceFire.
Cisco’s UCS Invicta will get some attention in VIP as a new Emerging Data Center Technology subtrack inside the Data Center area of the program.
For those interested in cloud, Cisco’s Cloud Services Reseller track has been expanded to 11 offerings.
For those who have had trouble mastering CSAT, the minimum average score requirement is now gone. According to Cisco, the channel will only need the required number of valid surveys to achieve certification.
In a blog post from Cisco, the company advises that Gold, Silver, or Premier channel partners meet the VIP CSAT requirements as part of the initial certification process.
There are two pilot tracks around Cisco One and the SaaS trials. Cisco is offering a six-month enrollment window between now and September 12 for the new VIP. The VIP three-month enrollment window will open on October 26 and run until November 21, of this year.
Cisco Channel Chief Bruce Klein told CDN in a previous interview that he wants to make it easy for the channel to connect with Cisco.
“In a couple of years I want the value to be for every Cisco dollar I sell I earn nine dollars from my business value for my company.”
