How is Comstor helping Cisco partners in MEA tap into new growth areas like AI, cybersecurity, and hybrid cloud?
Comstor enables partners to tap into AI-native solutions and hybrid cloud architectures by providing access to Cisco’s advanced technologies and integrated offerings. Working alongside Cisco, Comstor delivers security selling methodologies, zero trust frameworks/best practices as part of our SASE enablement sessions, and proactive threat intelligence best practices as advocated by Cisco. These help partners address complex, multi-cloud environments and evolving cyber threats. Notably, Comstor’s largest-ever security enablement programme gives partners exclusive access to certifications, 360 training, and dedicated deal concierge services for customised support.
What unique value does Comstor bring to partners compared to other distributors in the region?
Comstor stands out as a Cisco-exclusive distributor with an unparalleled footprint across the MEA region. We have over 20 offices and presence in a further 20 plus countries, allowing our partners to gain from the in-depth knowledge we have of the region. Partners benefit from tailored credit as a service offering, comprehensive technical support, robust logistics allowing access to our European stocking hubs, and exclusive marketing assets. Comstor’s role as a true extension of Cisco helps accelerate adoption, streamline deployments, and optimise customer engagement.
How are you enabling partners to shift toward recurring revenue and services-led models with Cisco solutions?
To support a shift towards recurring revenue and services-led models, Comstor has launched managed SOC and XDR solutions that allow partners to offer subscription-based, scalable security services to end-users. These initiatives—including white-labelled solutions and AWS Marketplace enablement programmes- provide partners with frictionless paths to sell advanced Cisco services, build customer loyalty, and capitalise on growing demand for MSSP models across MEA.
How is Comstor investing in partner enablement in MEA?
Training and certifications are at the heart of Comstor’s investment in partner growth. Comstor delivers enhanced Cisco Secure 360 training, access to a vast team of cybersecurity experts, and comprehensive partner enablement programmes. Our quarterly events, lunch’n’learns and dedicated remote labs equip partners with the skills and knowledge required to achieve specialised Cisco certifications, accelerate solution adoption, and maximise technology investments for their customers.
What role do regional markets play in your growth strategy?
Regional markets in MEA offer us an opportunity to drive value and grow alongside our partners, to think global and act local. We offer our partners expertise and the ability to stay compliant with local laws and regulatory requirements when they partner with us across MEA. Our continued investments in expanding our footprint regionally is a testament to our appetite to grow business in the MEA region.
Looking ahead, what will be your top priorities to strengthen Cisco’s partner ecosystem in MEA?
Looking ahead, Comstor will focus on helping partners expand their recurring revenue streams through initiatives that drive awareness of Cisco tools like PXP (Partner Experience) and LCI (Life Cycle Initiative). Partners who focus will win in the long run.
We also see huge opportunities for partners in Managed services and cybersecurity and will drive awareness of our programmes like the Secure 360 training and the MSP Expressway. These programmes will help our partners specialise and build out managed services offerings that they can then take to market. The new Cisco partner 360 programme is key to it all. Partners that understand the programme and align themselves to it will find themselves winning deals, being profitable and growing their Cisco practice.
Discussion about this post