To build up its data center offering, the company introduced a dedicated data center partner program and individual certifications to drive take-up of its unified computing architecture. This was accompanied by the launch of its range of rack-mounted servers.

The new Data Center Channel Solutions Program is aimed at enabling the channel to sell standardized offerings using products from Cisco as well as its data centre alliance partners. It will sit separately from the vendor's Premier, Silver and Gold go-to-market channel programs.

 Cisco has also expanded its Unified Computing Systems products line with a new range of three rack-mounted servers. To sell the products, partners will need to sign up to Cisco's new Authorized Partner Program, which involves completing its DataCenter Network Infrastructure Specialization (DCNI). They will also need to have previous server experience.

To further push partner profitability in the datacentre, Cisco partners will now be able to access rebates for selling Unified Computing, storage, switching and WAN optimization products through its established Value Incentive program (VIP).

On the sidelines of the event, Owen Chan, President-Asia Pacific Operations, Cisco outlined the importance of APAC in the scheme of things. He said: "There are huge opportunities in the region for adoption of technology and for using ICT to enhance the quality of life and productivity. Newly introduced architectural play and collaboration will help us in the new markets in getting better foothold. This theater is very important for Cisco as 10 per cent of overall global business for Cisco comes from APAC."

Talking about the small business opportunity in the region, Chan said, "we have 17 per cent marketshare in the SB segment in APAC and we are very competitive in this segment. We are sure that market growth in APAC in this segment will be much higher than what is being projected for worldwide."