Cisco Wants Partners To Become Security Masters

Cisco is calling on a select group of partners to mold their businesses to become security specialists as part of their efforts to meet the growing demand for complex security solutions. At the same time, Cisco and Microsoft are calling on security partners to get a jump start deploying network access control solutions based on interoperable technologies from the two vendors.

Cisco this week is launching its Master Secu-rity specialization, the first in a planned series of top-level badges for partners that want to take a deep dive into specific technology areas.

The launch follows last week's release of detailed plans for interoperability between network access control technologies from Cisco and Microsoft, setting up potentially vast services and consulting opportunities that channel partners can begin to capitalize on today.

Troubadour, a Houston-based Cisco partner, expects to go after the new Master Security specialization, said Jay Kirby, vice president of sales, calling the new badge "a testimony to us that we made the right decision to become a specialist." Troubadour two years ago made the decision to focus on security, he said.

"Every step I take [toward the Master Security specialization] is going to better our position in the marketplace to brand ourselves as an expert," Kirby said.

The new specialization will serve to distinguish partners that have put a lot of skin into the Cisco security game, said Edison Peres, vice president and chief go-to-market officer for worldwide channels at Cisco, San Jose, Calif.

"It's a pretty rigorous process and not something every partner is going to get," Peres said.

The specific requirements to achieve Master Security status are set to be unveiled Tuesday. Requirements for a new Master Unified Communications badge are expected to debut in the next 30 to 45 days, while additional Master badges in areas such as wireless and data center technologies are currently under evaluation, he said.