Cisco’s revamped MSC program ready for applicants

Overhaul lowers the barrier to entry.

Australian resellers have been given the green light to apply for enrollment in Cisco's revamped Managed Services Channel Program (MSCP).

Launched in June at the vendor's partner summit, a Cisco media spokesperson told CRN that the vendor's MSCP was overhauled to increase its "reach and benefits".

First appearing in 2007, the MSCP allowed more channel partners to participate in the program and "lowered the barrier to entry".

According to the vendor, the program enabled "partner-to-partner collaboration through a white label" arrangement, which allowed one partner to offer their services through another enrolled partner.

To simplify the MSCP, Cisco provided a single discount based on the partner level attained in the program across all of its products that the partner manages.

At the top level of the MSCP, approved channel partners received new "relationship branding" to reflect a "partner's depth and capability" in deploying and managing Cisco technology.

"[The program] shifts [away] from service-specific designations to a certification-based program that allows partners to transact their managed services business with globally predictable discounts and terms," said the Cisco spokesperson.

Channel partners also received additional net rebate on managed services that qualify for Cisco Powered designation and unrestricted access to Cisco's products.

"Participation in program incentives [also include] deal-specific authorisations," the spokesperson said.

Have you applied to enroll into the program? What do you think? Was it worth waiting two years for the program to be overhauled? Does the lowered barrier entry worry or please you as a Cisco partner?