Over the past few years, AI has reshaped the business landscape, accelerating the need for workplaces to evolve. As organizations navigate unprecedented demands for access, connectivity, and flexibility, the right collaboration tools are essential. “Cisco is at the forefront of this transformation, committed to delivering future-proofed workplaces by uniquely integrating networking, collaboration, and security,” wrote Anurag Dhingra, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Enterprise Connectivity and Collaboration at Cisco in a recent blog. By embedding AI across its collaboration portfolio, refreshing end-of-life (EOL) devices, and expanding Microsoft Teams room capabilities, Cisco is creating future-ready businesses, equipped with the tools to stay agile and connected amid today’s rapid technological shifts.
AI-Driven Collaboration: Smarter Meetings, Smarter Workflows
Cisco is harnessing AI to make meetings more efficient and interactive. “AI has been dominating every type of conversation that we have out there. And as everybody is well aware, most people are, let’s be honest, you’re sick of hearing about AI, AI, AI and everything, right?” shared Mike Brooks, Partner Business Development Manager at Cisco. “But a lot of these features and functionalities that we’re talking about are usually built into those devices, and it’s a matter of you, the partner, turning them on to experience them across the board.”
With AI-generated meeting summaries, automated polls, and AI-assisted presentations, Cisco is reshaping how teams collaborate. Beyond meetings, AI is enhancing customer interactions in contact centers and streamlining enterprise workflows. One notable innovation is Webex’s integration with Apple Vision Pro, delivering immersive, AI-powered virtual collaboration experiences. Additionally, the Cisco 9800 desk phone series now includes AI features that elevate communication quality and efficiency.
“For customers, the reality is that most meetings are taking place in hybrid settings in most industries. Getting the right technology in place to conduct business effectively and to have the experience of an in-person meeting is essential. Cisco is ranked as the Market Leader for Meeting Room Video Conferencing Devices by Frost & Sullivan, and have received awards to back this up,” emphasized Gavin Critchlow, Strategic Business Manager for Cisco Collaboration at TD SYNNEX.
Cisco’s integration with Microsoft Teams allows partners to offer best-in-class solutions that enhance productivity and collaboration. To support this effort, Cisco provides tools such as Cisco Workspace Designer, which helps partners and customers visualize conference room setups across Webex, Microsoft Teams, Zoom, and Google Meet.
With AI-driven advancements, hybrid and remote teams can now work more effectively than ever before.
Modern Workspace Assessment Incentive: A Win-Win for Partners and Customers
To ensure businesses remain secure and up to date, Cisco is encouraging partners and customers to replace EOL devices by June 1, 2025. Devices such as the SX 10, DX 70, and SX 80 will soon be phased out, and upgrading to new, AI-enabled solutions will be critical for maintaining security, compatibility, and user experience.
“We want to make sure that everybody has the best meeting experience with the devices that they have, and in order to do that, we need to get the old devices back and refresh to the newer devices,” said Brooks. Cisco’s Modern Workspace Assessment Incentive helps partners take the lead in transforming conference rooms, enhancing hybrid work solutions, and reimagining customer workspaces.
Critchlow highlighted the value of this program, calling it the best collaboration assessment available. “The ‘Modern Workspace Assessment Template’ simplifies the process. Partners just need to answer 17 key questions while creating a deal. Plus, the ‘Assessment Incentive Operations Guide’ walks them through each step, making it easy to submit the assessment to Cisco,” he said.
The program doesn’t just help customers; it’s a financial win for partners. Critchlow emphasized its value: “This incentive puts money directly in resellers’ pockets, which they can use to offer discounts, bundle professional services, or enhance customer deals.” With $7,500 available per assessment, partners can drive sales while enabling businesses to transition to next-gen collaboration tools. The pxp tool further supports partners by offering sales data to identify upgrade opportunities and refine their strategies.
Early success stories underscore the opportunity. “One of our resellers is capitalizing on this program, scheduling assessments non-stop. There’s no limit, and each assessment is worth $7,500. Even if the deal doesn’t close immediately, it creates lucrative opportunities,” said Critchlow.
Act Now, Before the Incentive Expires
With AI-enhanced communication, secure and updated devices, and expanded Microsoft Teams room capabilities, TD SYNNEX Cisco partners are well-positioned to lead the workplace transformation. By embracing these innovations, partners can unlock new revenue streams, strengthen customer relationships, and shape the future of collaboration.
Critchlow, however, urges partners to act fast: “There is an expiration on this incentive. Don’t wait on it. TD SYNNEX is here to help walk you through the sales motion, and we have the resource teams to assist throughout the process.”
Need additional sales support? The Cisco Solution Positioning Guide is a key resource designed to help partners navigate sales motions and maximize collaboration opportunities. Partners can reach out directly to Critchlow to obtain this guide. For more information on accessing sales tools, incentives, and upgrade opportunities, email Critchlow today at gavin.critchlow@tdsynnex.com.
