Networking and security firm Cisco announced a new evolution of its partner program: the new Cisco 360 partner program. Cisco 360 is designed to accelerate the value partners bring to customers by better addressing their evolving and complex needs, modernizing infrastructure, powering AI workloads and keeping customer organizations secure, resilient and high-performing.
This program – which was developed in collaboration with partners and customers – will see Cisco guide allies through a 15-month transition period, leading up to the program’s February 2026 launch.
The program reflects a strategic shift in how Cisco and its partners create and deliver value for their customers in the competitive market. The program will redefine what it means to be a successful Cisco partner: harnessing the collective strength of Cisco’s partner ecosystem to drive growth. The program will elevate partners’ stature with customers and upgrade the partner experience with streamlined processes and new ways to plan and track performance.
The first of its tangible enhancements to the partner experience includes an $80 million investment into new partner initiatives to boost skills and provide tools to compete in the market. Of that investment, $60 million will support qualified partners with benefits such as all-access Cisco U. subscriptions for skill development and certification. An additional $20 million will fund quarterly training events for all partners, focusing on AI, security and networking through self-paced learning, hands-on labs and continuing education credits.
“Today, it’s about helping customers unlock the power of technology to achieve their business outcomes. That’s the foundation of the Cisco 360 Partner Program,” said Rodney Clark, SVP of partnerships and SMB, Cisco. “Whether through lifecycle practices, technical capabilities or managed services, partners can drive profitable growth with our new value-based program. With a 15-month transition, partners have time to prepare and maximize their potential in Cisco 360 Partner Program.”
The 360 partner program will include:
- A streamlined framework that recognizes the diverse ways partners add value to customers.
- Two designations: Cisco partner and Cisco preferred partner.
- A continued shift from traditional architecture specialization to solution-based specialization, and ultimately to next-gen specialization that is accessible only to preferred partners.
Cisco also announced today its first specialization focused on AI – the Cisco AI-Ready Infrastructure solution specialization – to position partners as experts in delivering AI-ready infrastructure, security and observability solutions and services to customers throughout their AI adoption journey.
360 will fully transition in February 2026, with a gradual rollout that includes new elements introduced and piloted to keep partners and distributors informed and supported throughout the process. Current levels, roles and lifecycle practice investments will be recognized until the program is fully implemented, ensuring partner investments are protected.
“To further strengthen what is already a world-class partner ecosystem, this new program allows us to recognize and reward successful partners and better address the evolving needs of our customers,” shared, Elisabeth De Dobbeleer, SVP, Cisco partner program. “Our goal is to transform partner success, elevate Cisco partners and upgrade the partner experience to align with Cisco’s strategic vision.”
