Cisco has announced new elements in its Cisco 360 Partner Program, scheduled to launch January 25, 2026. Co-designed with its partners, the program introduces specializations, bonuses, and resources aimed at advancing technical capabilities and profitability—especially for those delivering data center, AI infrastructure, and related solutions.
The updated program features incentives tied to portfolio breadth and technical expertise. Cisco claims that its Partner Incentive model includes an “Eligible Offers” list and rebate rates targeting campus infrastructure, AI solutions, security, and premium services. Partners can use a dedicated profitability estimator and unlock two additional bonuses—the Cross Sell Bonus for a wider portfolio, and the Next Generation Specialization Bonus for deeper technical expertise. Cisco notes that these measures are intended to provide more predictable profitability than previous programs, with a focus on integrated solutions for customer outcomes.
Cisco reports that, starting February 2026, Preferred Partners can earn two new specializations: Secure AI Infrastructure and Secure Networking. These specializations recognize comprehensive solutions using Cisco’s integrated hardware, software, and services for critical infrastructure in the AI era. Both options also provide additional incentives for partners building expertise in advanced data center and AI environments.
Additional technical enablement includes expanded training modules (Cisco Partner Learning Journeys), an AI-powered assistant for training resources, advanced virtual demo environments, and practical AI skills training through Cisco U. Notably, Cisco has added an AI Infrastructure Specialist certification to the Cisco Certified Network Professional (CCNP) Data Center track, targeting validation of partner expertise in data center deployments.
Cisco has provided the following quotes as part of the announcement:
“The Cisco 360 Partner Program serves the agile partner ecosystem that reacts and adapts quickly, innovates continuously, and scales efficiently through platform and ecosystem effects,” said Tim Coogan, Senior Vice President of Global Partner Sales at Cisco.
“It demands that we execute with the same discipline our customers expect of themselves and should help to redefine what partnership means in the subscription era. Customers no longer buy software, they rent it, and renewal is earned every year through real results,” said Ryan Morris, President of Blackwood.
For program launch, Cisco offers a customizable Launchpad and Branding Toolkit, along with direct marketing support, enabling partners to position offerings for the 2026 rollout.
Source: Cisco
