April 04, 2007
Cisco Increases Stake in SMB VoIP Space

By Erik Linask
Associate Editor,
Internet Telephony magazine

Much like many other communications vendors, Cisco Systems is looking to capitalize on the market’s recent emphasis on serving the SMB. It’s not that Cisco hasn’t had a presence in the SMB space; rather, it has made its fortune recently in the enterprise space, which is where many people’s minds drift when they hear the name.
 
In an effort to further change the perception that it plays primarily in the large enterprise space, Cisco has added to its SMB solution set two features: the Cisco Smart Business Communications System, and Select Certification for its channel program.
 
The Smart Business Communications Systems (News - Alert) was developed with an eye on enabling SMBs to benefit from the latest communications technologies, while maintaining an affordability factor. In today’s era of anywhere, anytime communications, businesses need communications platforms that can help them eliminate inefficiencies in their business processes, which means not having to expend undue effort installing and maintaining a communications system. To promote that, the Cisco solution is a complete platform, with components that have been specifically designed to interoperate with one another to create an integrated unified communications solution.
 
The system comprises the following:
 
--Cisco Unified Communications (News - Alert) 500 Series, which is supported by Unified Communications Manager Express and Cisco Unity Express. It is specifically designed to work with the entire line of Cisco IP phones, including its softphone.
--Cisco Catalyst Express 250 PoE (Power over Ethernet) switch, to easily expand capacity and security.
--Cisco Mobility Express Solution, including the 521 Wireless Express AP and the 526 Wireless Express Mobility Controller, which create a wireless environment to extend the range of the LAN.
--Cisco Configuration Assistant is part of a set of system management tools, providing plug and play functionality to the system, making the system easy to install and use. It also provides an easy, GUI-based administration tool for configuring telephony, messaging, switching, wireless, and security features across the network.
--Cisco Monitor Director interacts with the Cisco Monitor Manager on the customer site, enabling channel partners to provide network management and troubleshooting services.
 
Cisco claims its Smart Business Communications System is meant to increase productivity, simplify the communications process, and introduce new features to customers, enhancing the users’ overall communication process. Integration with calendar applications, email software, CRM and ERP tools all help improve customer service. 
 
In addition, IPcelerate, a software developer and Cisco partner, has developed a vertical-specific application suite to introduce even greater business process improvements to legal, manufacturing, healthcare, and retail businesses. It is the first add-on solution designed for Cisco’s new communications system.
 
For its channel partners, in conjunction with the introduction of the new system, Cisco has added a Select Certification level to its channel partner program, which includes training and certification for partners that focus on the SMB space specifically. This new certification level provides an opportunity for those resellers to leverage the Cisco brand while extending its reach in the SMB space.
 
Select Certification partners can use the Cisco Certified mark to validate their expertise in serving the SMB market; they have access partner-development funds to assist them in generating demand, acquiring demonstration equipment and training; access to the new SMB OIP (Opportunity Incentive Program); and they are eligible for specialized training designed specifically for the SMB channel. Select Certification partners also receive a listing in the Cisco Partner Locator.
 
Erik Linask is Associate Editor of INTERNET TELEPHONY, IMS Magazine, and SIP Magazine. Prior to joining TMC (News - Alert), he was Managing Editor at Global Custodian, an international securities services publication. To see more of his articles, please visit Erik Linask’s columnist page.
 
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