Cisco has launched the Cisco 360 Partner Program following fifteen months of co-design with its partner ecosystem. Built around close collaboration, the program is designed to strengthen how Cisco supports partners while simplifying their ability to deliver value to customers in an increasingly AI-driven market. The initiative spans developers, consultants, managed services providers, resellers, and other partner business models, enabling partners to deliver outcomes across AI-ready data centers, future-ready workplaces, and digital resilience.
The Cisco 360 Partner Program aims to provide greater clarity and help partners achieve more predictable profitability. Complementing the program is the new Cisco Partner Locator, which allows customers to identify suitable partners across Cisco’s core portfolios, including Security, Networking, Collaboration, Services, Splunk, and Cloud and AI Infrastructure.
“With our partners, we’ve strengthened what is already a world-class ecosystem to deliver even greater value and help our mutual customers connect, protect and thrive,” said Tim Coogan, Senior Vice President of Global Partner Sales at Cisco.
Cisco’s latest AI Readiness Index highlights AI preparedness as a key competitive differentiator. Meeting these demands depends on experienced partners working together to deliver the infrastructure, services, and AI-native capabilities required for transformation. The Cisco 360 Partner Program recognizes partner expertise and rewards value creation across the entire customer lifecycle, enabling partners to deliver secure, agile solutions that support long-term customer success.
“The Cisco 360 Partner Program was designed with partners to foster collective success, enable differentiation, and help partners scale with confidence. It’s about making our ecosystem’s unique value clear to the market and our customers,” said Elisabeth De Dobbeleer, Senior Vice President, Cisco Partner Program.
The program represents an evolution of Cisco’s partner model, aligning more closely with partner and customer priorities. It introduces clearer and more predictable earnings through the Cisco Partner Incentive (CPI), which consolidates previous program elements and aligns partner go-to-market strategies with Cisco’s roadmap. CPI is now live and designed to help partners plan and scale growth more effectively.
To help customers find the right expertise, Cisco has introduced new partner designations. All participants are recognized as registered Cisco Partners. Cisco Portfolio Partners demonstrate proven sales and technical expertise, strong practice maturity, and consistent customer engagement, while Cisco Preferred Partners meet higher standards with advanced technical skills, robust lifecycle practices, and the ability to deliver end-to-end solutions.
The Cisco 360 Partner Program also expands the resources available to partners, including new rebates, Partner Value Indexes, a Distributor Development Fund, and an enhanced Cisco AI Assistant. CPI bonuses are being introduced to boost partner earning potential, with a focus on One Cisco, including Secure Networking and Secure AI Infrastructure specializations. These bonuses will be available until the end of July 2026.
Cisco is also extending its Partner Value Index framework to include dedicated indexes for Developers and Advisors, Mass-Scale Infrastructure partners, and Distributors, supported by tailored learning paths and growth opportunities. A new Distributor Development Fund aims to strengthen alignment and drive success across Cisco’s distribution ecosystem. In addition, an upgraded Cisco AI Assistant within the Partner Experience Platform is designed to help partners work more efficiently and focus on delivering greater value to customers.
