Cisco 360 Starts Now: Inside June’s Purpose-Built VIP 45 SKUs

The June VIP 45 update offers more than just new SKUs—it provides a clear window into Cisco’s evolving strategy under the Cisco 360 framework. With a spotlight on the Networking and Security solution portfolios, partners are being shown exactly where to focus their efforts to drive revenue, improve customer success, and maximize incentive payouts.

What’s New in VIP 45?

1. Networking Portfolio: Driving Core Infrastructure Growth

Cisco added 40 new hardware SKUs, heavily focused on the Catalyst 9400 series and high-speed transceivers. These additions align tightly with the Networking Portfolio, reinforcing Cisco’s push to upgrade core infrastructure. For partners, this presents a golden opportunity to launch refresh campaigns and capitalize on incentive-eligible sales.

2. Security Portfolio: Building Lifecycle Practices

Even more significant is the addition of 78 new SKUs tied exclusively to Security Software and Enterprise Agreements (EAs). These include Security EA 3.0, User Protection, and Extended Detection and Response (XDR) suites—all of which position partners to build a practice centered on long-term customer success and lifecycle value.

LAER in Action: Aligning with Cisco’s Customer-Centric Strategy

The structure of these new SKUs supports the LAER model (Land, Adopt, Expand, Renew)—a cornerstone of Cisco 360:

• Land: Make initial sales easier with new rebate-eligible SKUs, especially for Security EAs.
• Adopt & Expand: Grow customer usage over time—whether by adding users, increasing coverage, or expanding capabilities. These stages align with Cisco’s Lifecycle Incentives within the upcoming Cisco Partner Incentive (CPI).
• Renew: Tap into the recurring value of the Annuity track through predictable rebates on renewals.

Partners that embrace the full lifecycle will see the greatest rewards. Tools like Netformx AssetXpert play a crucial role in automating this process, ensuring that no expansion or renewal opportunity is missed.

From VIP to CPI: Connecting Today’s Actions to Tomorrow’s Rewards

The VIP 45 June update has an impact on what will be measured under CPI through the Partner Value Index (PVI), for three of the four dimensions:

• Performance: New Networking and Security SKUs will count directly toward PVI performance scores.
• Capabilities: Successfully selling and deploying Security EAs will require upskilling—training and specialization that feed into the Capabilities dimension.
• Engagement: Actively driving lifecycle success through LAER motions improves Engagement scores and strengthens partner-customer relationships.

What Partners Should Do Now

• Target Catalyst 9400 opportunities for refresh and upgrade campaigns.
• Build a Security EA strategy that covers not just the initial sale but the full customer lifecycle.
• Leverage tools like Netformx AssetXpert to uncover asset insights and track consumption and renewal readiness.

Final Takeaway

The VIP 45 update is a roadmap—not just a rebate guide. It reflects Cisco’s long-term investment areas and rewards partners who align accordingly. By focusing on high-value networking solutions and building a lifecycle-first practice around Security EAs, partners can increase their PVI scores and position themselves for greater profitability under Cisco’s new incentive model.

To learn more about how Netformx and tools like AssetXpert can support your Cisco 360 strategy today and in the future and help maximize your profitability, contact us at sales@netformx.com.

How does VIP 45 help PVI Scores?