Cisco Systems says it will target specific, high-end companies with the local launch of its global managed services partner programme.
Channel manager Jennifer Rutherford says the managed services partner programme is one of four that was introduced conceptually about a year ago. However, in New Zealand there is heavier focus on another of the four – the local partner programme that is designed to make it easier for partners to sell into the SME market. Select certification, a new entry-level for partners, has recently been added to the local programme.
“The managed services programme is around recognising there are partners who don’t fit with the way we’ve designed the local programme.
“In New Zealand the local programme is still the most relevant for 99 percent , but we’ll start talking to telcos and others about managed services and see if they need that programme.”
The managed services programme has been piloted in the wider region for about four months, though not by a New Zealand partner, Rutherford says.
