Cloud VoIP/UC: 8x8 Achieves Cisco Select Certification

8x8

Cloud and VoIP service provider 8×8 is the latest partner to get some recognition from Cisco Systems, as it has achieved the SMB-focused Cisco Select Certification.

According to the press release, 8×8 staff officially met Cisco’s training and exam requirements for not only the Small Business Specialization, but also for personnel, training and post-sales support. Cisco’s partner program is designed to help the channel build “sales, technical and Cisco Lifecycle” skills they need to succeed, and ranks its partners based on metrics such as support and overall customer satisfaction.

“The technical knowledge our sales and engineering teams have acquired through the Select Certification process combined with the incentives and resources Cisco provides to its partners will be invaluable as we expand our presence in the SMB market with Cisco-certified resellers and VARs,” said 8×8 VP of Channel Development Don Trimble in that same release.

This is an auspicious start for 8×8’s new leadership. And for Cisco’s part, it really seems like it’s been sparing no trouble to recognize the partners that are leveraging its technology in the cloud. With Cisco accelerating its cloud channel play in 2012, I’m sure we’ll be hearing more chatter along these lines, so stay tuned.