Cisco unveils new solutions for SMEs

Sharpening its focus on the small and medium enterprise (SME) segment, Cisco has launched a suite of new solution bundles for the Cisco Smart Business Communications System, specifically designed for the Asia-Pacific market.

Cisco has introduced five special bundles ranging from 8-user bundles to 48-user bundles, specially priced for SMEs in the region.

The Smart Business Communications System was designed to help SMEs access information anytime and anywhere.

It thus employs hardware products, integrated unified communications applications and system-management tools designed to complement each other and provide communication building blocks for small businesses.

This system is based on Cisco's Unified Communications 500 Series, powered by Cisco Unified Communications Manager Express and Cisco Unity Express.

It also supports the portfolio of Cisco Unified IP Phones, including the softphone Cisco Unified IP Communicator, internet connectivity with firewall protection, virtual private networks, and wireless LAN access.

"The SME market is Cisco's fastest-growing segment around the world and we are seeing that here as well. SMEs are also the backbone for any economy. So energising them with technology will lead to an indirect benefit to national wealth," said Stuart Hendry, Cisco's director for commercial operations in Asia-Pacific.

To catalyse the growth further, Cisco is also introducing two partner profitability programs to help its regional SME special partners. The SME Opportunity Incentive Program rewards partners who secure incremental business.

The Partner Development Fund, available in Asia Pacific from February 15, provides Cisco channel partners with access to market development funds to build their SME practices.

"Cisco's channel partner model is recognised as among the best in the industry, but it was always more difficult for a smaller reseller to gain entry. These resellers, however, are the preferred IT-trusted advisors for most SMEs when acquiring technology solutions. With the introduction of select certification, we can now provide these resellers with the tools and training to bring solutions such as the Cisco Smart Business Communications System to SME customers," said Mike Allen, Cisco's director for channel operations, Asia Pacific.

Cisco has 500 new select partners in Asia Pacific and is aiming to double this number in six months.