Whether or not you’ve already jumped on the AI train, TD SYNNEX and Cisco are making it clear that AI is now being integrated across the board, with AI being built into Cisco products rather than just built for them. Leading the webinar, “Navigating the Future of Cisco Collaboration AI Innovations, Strategic Shifts, and Fiscal Goals,” was Gavin Critchlow, Strategic Business Manager of Cisco Collaboration at TD SYNNEX, and Mike Brooks, Collaboration Sales Business Development Manager of Cisco. The webinar covered Cisco’s cutting-edge collaboration technologies, significant strategic shifts, and future-focused financial objectives. As Brooks said, “The good thing about Cisco Collaboration is if you, the partner, or even your end customers, are not on their AI journey as of yet, then there’s no better place to start than Cisco’s collaboration products and offering.”
Access the webinar recording here
AI-Powered Cisco Collaboration
Cisco is leading the way in increasing the assimilation of AI into routine business operations by deeply integrating AI into its products. Brooks pointed out that rather than incorporating AI-driven enhancements later, Cisco’s collaboration tools like Webex are designed to support them. The integration of AI functionalities helps partner adoption and maximizes the benefits of these tools. Some of the key AI features include:
- AI Meeting and Call Summaries: Cisco’s AI tools now offer meeting and call summaries, allowing partners to catch up on missed discussions, track action items, and review key takeaways.
- AI-Driven Messaging: The AI-powered “Rewrite Message” feature helps adjust partners’ tone of messages without relying on third-party tools, enhancing communication and for improved clarity empathy.
- AI-Assisted Devices: Cisco’s hardware solutions also incorporate AI, from Meeting Zone and People Focus features that enhance virtual collaboration through optimized video layouts, to Babble Labs-powered noise cancellation.
Cisco Collaboration’s Strategic Shift
The retirement of the Cisco Collaboration SaaS Specialization (CSaaS) was a major announcement during the webinar. For those who currently hold this specialization, you will be able to retain it until February 2026. Cisco’s transition from CSaaS to more solution-based specializations, like the Hybrid Work Specialization, reflects Cisco’s emphasis on providing partners with the tools and resources they need to drive workplace transformation in an increasingly hybrid world. As Critchlow noted, “Hybrid work represents a $30 billion opportunity in the market worldwide…This specialization specifically is going to recognize your ability to help customers transform any type of workplace by bringing together networking and security and collaboration solutions.”
Environmental Sustainability Specialization
In addition to hybrid work, Critchlow and Brooks discussed the Environmental Sustainability Specialization. This is aimed toward partners focused on hardware refresh and replacement, allowing partners to access up to seven percent in additional discounts when they replace outdated hardware with more energy-efficient options.
Maximizing the Partner Experience Platform
The Cisco Partner Experience Platform (PXP) is a great tool partners can use to find and take advantage of opportunities for collaboration upgrades and hardware refreshes. Partners can view the install base, track end-of-life devices, and plan refresh strategies with this platform. Turning on the “distributor partner view” can improve collaboration between Cisco and partners, increasing sales and guaranteeing that partners receive the best technology solutions available as Brooks and Critchlow emphasized.
Financial Objectives and Profitability
Cisco introduced an Assessment Incentive Program as part of its 2024-2025 fiscal strategy. Through this program, partners can earn a payout of $7,500 per assessment they conduct on customer environments. This presents endless opportunities for partners looking to boost their profitability, demonstrating Cisco’s commitment to enhancing partner engagement through strategic analyses that lead to increased sales and profitability.
Transforming Collaboration through AI
By integrating AI into everyday business tools, Cisco and TD SYNNEX are setting the standard and making it easier for partners to adopt and succeed in a hybrid work environment. Cisco gives partners the tools to increase efficiency and profitability with AI-driven features, sustainability initiatives, and new fiscal incentives. Now is the perfect time for partners to jump on the AI train and begin their journey with Cisco’s new offerings.[GU1]
If partners have questions about Cisco’s AI innovation or collaborations, reach out to Gavin Critchlow at Gavin.Critchlow@tdsynnex.com.
