Cisco Launches EMEA Program 605698Cisco Launches EMEA Program 605698

LONDON -- As part of its continuing commitment to developing new programs that help increase channel partner profitability, Cisco Systems Ltd. (Nasdaq:CSCO - News), today announced the launch of the Opportunity Incentive Program (OIP) in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). OIP provides financial incentives to reward channel partners for the pre-sales investment associated with securing sales opportunities in targeted market segments. The current focus of OIP in EMEA is the commercial market, which encompasses medium enterprise, mid-market and small & medium businesses. This program incorporates deal registration, which is designed to focus on value delivery to win the opportunity. The incentive rebate is available to the channel partner who is first to register and close a new business opportunity.

"With more than 90 percent of Cisco business going through our channel partners, it is imperative to our future growth that we create programs that improve partner profitability and drive mutual success," said Edzard Overbeek, vice president, Commercial, Channels and Distribution, EMEA, Cisco Systems Inc. "The Opportunity Incentive Program is designed to help enable Cisco and its channel partners to increase market share in selected market segments. At this time, we're focusing primarily on the commercial space as it is a key focus for Cisco in our FY '05, which started August 1, 2004."

Cisco Systems Inc.