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Is Your Customer’s Network Ready for AI and Secure Enough for the Future? Here’s Why Cisco Partners Should Be Asking That Now

Jacob Ukelson, D.Sc.

CTO of Netformx

As Netformx CTO, I work with key stakeholders and executives to convert their needs and challenges into Netformx solutions. I’m responsible for overseeing all Netformx technologies. Throughout my two-decade-long career, I have pioneered technologies that overcome customer challenges, integrate seamlessly with the business, and are an organizational asset instead of…
More about Jacob Ukelson, D.Sc.

Is Your Customer’s Network Ready for AI and Secure Enough for the Future?

Here’s Why Cisco Partners Should Be Asking That Now

In today’s rapidly shifting landscape, where security concerns are intensifying and artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping business priorities, Cisco Partners are uniquely positioned to ensure their customers can meet these challenges. But how?

The answer lies in comprehensive, insight-driven network assessments

As we approach the era of Cisco 360, the expectation isn’t just to sell technology—it’s to help customers succeed with it. That means aligning network infrastructure to business goals like digital transformation, AI-readiness, and risk reduction. It also means elevating your value as a partner through strategic guidance.

Let’s break down why this matters—and how you can capitalize on it.

1. Customers Are Facing New Pressures—And They Need Help

Security is more critical than ever.
As cyber threats grow in complexity and frequency, network infrastructure remain one of the most vulnerable (and undermanaged) entry points. Customers are aware of the risk but often lack visibility into how their existing infrastructure may be putting their business at risk.
AI is pushing the limits of legacy infrastructure.
AI and machine learning workloads require networks that can handle high-bandwidth, low-latency data flows. Most customers simply aren’t ready.
Many don’t know what they don’t know.
From outdated equipment to misconfigurations and unsupported devices, customers may not realize the roadblocks they face—let alone how to remove them.
A $43 Billion Opportunity
Cisco estimates there’s a $43 billion network refresh opportunity over the next five years—driven by the need to modernize infrastructure for AI and bolster cybersecurity. For the 62,000 Cisco partners worldwide, that’s not just a statistic—it’s a strategic call to action. With the right tools and insights, network assessments become the gateway to this massive market.

2. Modern Network Assessments: More Than a Health Check

Today’s opportunity lies in delivering deeper assessments that go beyond basic inventory snapshots.

Key areas include:

Security Posture: Detect vulnerabilities, misconfigurations, and non-compliant elements.
AI Readiness: Assess capacity, latency, segmentation, and QoS for AI-driven traffic.
Potential Performance Bottlenecks: Identify pain points before they impact operations.
Technology Lifecycle: Spot aging assets at end-of-life or end-of-support.
Compliance: Ensure your network isn’t hindering your compliance efforts

These insights empower you to be proactive rather than reactive – shifting from technical support to strategic advisory.

3. What Does a Higher Level of Service Look Like?

To differentiate your value, Cisco Partners should focus on:

Becoming a Trusted Advisor: Use network insights to fuel broader business conversations.
Delivering Data-Driven Reports: Make complex environments understandable and actionable.
Building a Modernization Roadmap: Help customers plan phased upgrades aligned with their goals.
Driving Revenue Growth: Assessments often reveal refresh, upgrade, and service opportunities organically.

4. Aligned with Cisco’s Evolving Vision—Cisco 360

Cisco’s upcoming 360 program is all about customer success—and that starts with understanding the customer environment.

Customer Assessment Incentives: Cisco now offers a $7,500 reward for qualifying assessments in Networking, Security, Collaboration, and AI.
Value-Added Services Focus: Cisco is encouraging partners to offer services that generate insights and outcomes—not just transactions.
First Step Toward Cisco 360: These incentive programs are a preview of what’s to come. Partners who embrace assessments now will be ahead of the curve.

5. Tools Make It Easier—and More Scalable

You don’t need an army of engineers to deliver high-value assessments. With the right tools, you can scale your efforts, fast.

Netformx AssetXpert, for example, allows you to:

Automate asset discovery—including multivendor environments
Enrich inventory data with Cisco insights (EOX, PSIRTs, CCWR)
Highlight security gaps and modernization needs
Generate comprehensive, customer-ready reports in hours—not days

The result? Faster assessments, more meaningful conversations, and better alignment with Cisco’s evolving incentive structures.

In Summary: Assessments Are the Gateway to Strategic Growth

The surge in security demands and AI preparedness is more than a challenge—it’s an opening. Cisco Partners who leverage modern network assessments, are best positioned to:

Add real business value
Build deeper customer trust
Align with Cisco 360 and maximize rewards
Unlock long-term growth opportunities

Now is the time to move beyond basic support and become an indispensable guide for your customers’ digital future.

Want to learn how to deliver assessments at scale and get rewarded for it?
Let’s talk about how Netformx tools can accelerate your Cisco 360 journey today and tomorrow. Lead the way with Cisco 360 and unlock new revenue streams.

Contact Netformx at sales@netformx.com.