Cisco is now offering new networking, security and storage products through its Connect and Secure small business portfolios, which are available through the channel. The new products are designed to help channel partners enable small businesses with the right size managed switch, proper security, and multiple on-site and off-site storage options.
A new addition to the Connect portfolio, Cisco 200 Series Smart Switches are entry-level managed switches, delivering quality of service (QoS) and security to customers in an easily managed switch. The 200 series fills a hole in the Connect portfolio, between the 100 series, which are entry-level unmanaged switches, and the 300 series, which are fully managed switches.
With these energy-efficient switches, Cisco partners can help small businesses create a network to help enable users of both PCs and mobile devices to access shared content.
The Cisco RV220W is a network firewall that combines wireless, routing, and switching in one device for small offices. It offers flexibility thanks to its hybrid VPN capabilities. The RV 220 integrates many different kinds of security, including SSL, IPSec, and optional Cisco ProtectLink Web security service. The dual band technology allows for 2.4 or 5 GHz, and this midlevel wireless router offers gigabit on all integrated ports.
Cisco is adding an optional, fully integrated online Mozy backup service to its NSS300 Series Smart Storage product line. Cisco small business channel partners can help customers choose between fully on-site backups or a hybrid backup system that is both on-site and online. The fully integrated backup service helps support small business’ disaster recovery and business continuity plans, while offering additional selling options to partners.
Through both these product announcements and a constantly evolving SMB channel, Cisco wants to make clear its commitment to partners. With both financing and training options for partners, Cisco offers many levels of partner support.
“We recognize that some of our partners just don’t have the technical sophistication of our larger partners,” said David Tucker, VP and GM of the small business technology group at Cisco. “If they need help with what product to sell a customer or how to configure a particular customer’s network, our support centers offer that kind of presale support, acting sort of a virtual sales engineer.”†
