The VAR Guy

The VAR Guy has been a little distracted lately but is finally catching up on his email. One tip from a pal on the West Coast mentions Cisco Systems’ growing interest in vertical markets.

In fact, the networking giant on Oct. 16 is set to announce the Vertical Select Program, which is designed to help identify, reward and enable channel partners with vertical business practices.

Initially, the program targets financial services, education, healthcare, and state and local government markets, with plans to serve the retail sector in 2007. Channel partners that qualify for the program gain access to Cisco’s marketing and demand-generation programs, industry consultants, and sales training, resources and tools.

Still, this program isn’t for all partners. VARs must be nominated by their Cisco channel account manager to gain entrance into the program. And they must meet additional requirements, such as having a dedicated vertical practice with current customer references. See program requirements at www.ciscopartner-verticalselect.com.