Comstor research reveals 78% of partners are aware of Cisco’s transformative new programme ahead of its 2026 launch
LONDON, UK – 29 September, 2025 – Partners are preparing to capitalise on the biggest change to Cisco’s channel programme in decades, according to research by the Cisco-focused Comstor arm of global technology provider and specialist distributor Westcon-Comstor.
Comstor surveyed a group of Cisco partners across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and found that 78% are aware of the new Cisco 360 Partner Programme.
More than half (54%) of partners described themselves as somewhat prepared, with a further 15% saying they are very prepared.
Launching in early 2026, the programme is designed to increase the value partners bring by better addressing customers’ rapidly evolving and complex needs. Cisco has described it as “the most significant evolution of its partner programme in nearly three decades.”
Cisco 360 will consolidate multiple incentive and rebate schemes into a single structure – Cisco Partner Incentive – and reduce partner statuses from four to two: Cisco Partner and Cisco Preferred Partner.
This simplification is resonating with partners, according to Comstor’s research.
Among those aware of Cisco 360, one in three (33%) cited a more streamlined way of doing business with Cisco as the programme’s biggest opportunity. Another 15% pointed to the potential for revenue growth through expanded Cisco offerings.
Other key opportunities include building full-lifecycle Cisco solutions and developing Managed Service Provider (MSP) practices.
Nearly a third (28%) of respondents said they need more information and education on the programme’s benefits. Training and enablement to improve Partner Value Index (PVI) scores – critical for unlocking rebates, incentives and discounts – was also highlighted as a key area where partners are seeking distributor support.
The research comes after the August announcement of the Cisco 360 qualification period. In response, Comstor has launched a number of enablement tools including a simplified Cisco 360 playbook for partners and assembled a dedicated team of in-house experts to support partners ahead of go-live.
Comstor is also providing partners with tailored advice and guidance through one-to-one sessions, enabling them to accelerate their journey to Cisco 360 readiness and differentiate from the competition.
“The launch of Cisco 360 represents a once-in-a-generation shift in Cisco’s channel strategy, with major implications for partners,” said Steven Heinsius, Vice President, Product Management and Marketing EMEA, Comstor at Westcon-Comstor. “Our research shows strong awareness and enthusiasm among partners, along with a clear appetite to close knowledge gaps. While change of this scale brings challenges, Cisco 360 will create a level playing field and sharpen the focus on end-user needs. At Comstor, everything we’re doing is to simplify and amplify the programme by helping partners grasp the Cisco 360 opportunity and empowering them to build future-ready business models based on recurring revenues, value-added services and lifecycle selling.”
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