Cisco to target SMBs

Cisco, one of the worldwide leaders in networking, is looking to tap the growing technology needs of small and medium businesses (SMBs) across India and has identified Jaipur as one of the 16 small cities to focus on.

"With Jaipur in the midst of an economic boom and the emergence of many local industries, Cisco is looking to tap these businesses and make them realise the business benefits of information technology (IT) and networking," Amit Malik, head (SMB), Cisco India and SAARC, said.

He said Cisco will target IT services, education and key manufacturing industries like textiles, steel, and gems and jewellery businesses functioning in Jaipur.

"These businesses are today part of a global supply chain and realise the need to adopt IT to be competitive not only with domestic players but other global competitors," he added.

Cisco will also explore tying up with Jaipur's regional manufacturing clusters, to increase IT awareness among these businesses.

Across India and in Jaipur, Cisco will offer new customised SMB products and solutions and plans to launch 30 new products over the next 12 months.

These products are developed specifically for the SMB market keeping in mind the need for easy deployment and at the same time cost effectiveness, Malik said.

Other than local roadshows, Cisco will also train and enable their local channel partners to target small and medium businesses. Cisco will also look to add SMB select channel partners in this region, who will focus purely on meeting the IT needs of the SMBs.

To help these small and medium-size businesses (SMBs) invest in Cisco technologies, Cisco Capital is also offering an easy lease programme designed to enable SMBs to adopt state-of-the-art network technology quickly and easily, with minimal initial investment and maximum convenience.

By making payments on a monthly or quarterly basis, SMBs can maintain consistent and balanced operating and capital expenditures. Easy lease offers streamlined lease documentation, flexible payment options and fast turnaround, he added.