Cisco Updates & Tools Session

22 October, 2024 - 44:33 minutes

This session covered an overview of Provider Pricing, how to flag managed services deals correctly and how to accrue MDF. We also touched on some hot off the press updates regarding a change to the MDF model - applicable only for Cisco Q2 (27 Oct-25 Jan). David then ran through a high level overview and demo of the Partner Experience Platform (PXP), the tool that allows you to have a comprehensive view of your opportunities across all sales motions. We then rounded off with an overview of additional tools and resources available form both Cisco and Comstor to support you.

Cisco Provider Update

24 September, 2024 - 57:41 minutes

Elsie Keter, Comstor Growth Marketing Manager joined us to call out growth opportunities for managed service partners. David Blackburn, Comstor EMEA MSP Lead ran through Cisco’s partner programmes, with a focus on the Provider role and Bethany Huxtable, Comstor UK Partner Excellence Manager joined to give an overview of the team on hand across EMEA and highlight how she delivers exceptional value to her UK partners!

Managed XDR (Extended Detection & Response)

26 June, 2024 - 1:01:58 minutes

Benoit Larmaillard - Cisco EMEA Partner Business Development XDR Specialist, joined this session to discuss the overarching importance of security and the time to recovery in case of breach. The challenges faced by a SOC, particularly for non security focused companies and how XDR Premier is the dedicated Cisco offer to overcome these challenges.

MSP Expressway for SMB

28 May, 2024 - 57:53 minutes

David Blackburn, Comstor EMEA MSP Lead and Andrea Witze, Cisco Managed Services Sales Specialist came together to discuss the largest, fastest growing SMB route to market and the $22B SMB Managed Services Opportunity. Andrea gave a detailed explanation of the MSP Expressway for SMB and David finalised the call by outlining the support available from Comstor across EMEA.

Cisco Partner Programme Updates (with a focus on Provider role)

7 May, 2024 - 48:24 minutes

David Blackburn, EMEA MSP Lead for Comstor, covered the latest updates within this Cisco half year. Topics covered included an overview of the Cisco Partner Programmes, a back to basics on Cisco Provider role and information on the MDF that can be accrued. We also touched on the services available from Comstor and the details of our dedicated team of individuals in place across Europe.

Cisco Powered Services

9 April, 2024 - 45:57 minutes

David Blackburn, EMEA MSP Lead for Comstor addressed the topic of Cisco Powered Services, with a deeper look at the Managed Services Opportunity ($42B in EMEA), the 22 Cisco Powered Services Specialisations that Cisco offer, and the Provider Program details. He also took a closer look at the application process and what steps you might need to take to apply. For those who don't think they are quite ready for the Cisco Powered Services application process, David touched on the alternative opportunity of 'MSP Expressway for SMB'.

Cloud Calling - A Cisco Powered Service

5 March, 2024 - 49:37 minutes

On this session we were joined by Comstor Collaboration expert, Maik Kubelt discussing 'Why Cloud Calling', the market opportunity and uncovering more on the wholesale route to market. David, Comstor Managed Services Lead, then ran through what is required to become Cisco Powered for Cloud Calling, the benefits available to Provider partners, and also touched on the training available to facilitate you.

MSP Expressway for SMB

6 February, 2024 - 54:48 minutes

Andrea Witzke, Cisco Managed Services Sales Specialist, joined us to discuss the MSP Expressway scalable partner-ready offers, which combine the Cisco cloud platforms for networking, security and collaboration with resources, tools and best practices to accelerate time to market.

Andrea gave us an overview of the following:

• Overview of offers
• Partner requirements
• Resources

Managed Full Stack Observability (FSO), 16 January, 2024

16 January, 2024 - 39:01 minutes

This session covered an overview of the Managed FSO Cisco Powered Service, what Full Stack Observability means for your business and how it has evolved. David Blackburn, Comstor EMEA MSP Lead also gave a deeper dive into the product portfolio, how it all fits together, as well as a recap on the provider programme requirements to move from Select to Premier and Premier to Gold.

Managed Firewall, 19 December, 2023

19 December, 2023 - 46:49 minutes

Benjamin Allard, Comstor EMEA Security Architecture Lead and Rebecca Dukes, Cisco Managed Services Lead joined us to discuss the opportunities surrounding the newly added Cisco Powered Service 'Managed Firewall'. The team discussed the requirements to be able to sell Managed Firewall, the available training and enablement materials, as well as the support available from both Comstor and Cisco.

Cisco Provider Benefits and Q2 Updates, 12 December, 2023

12 December, 2023 - 53:08 minutes

An overview of the Cisco Programmes available, with a focus on the Cisco Provider Programme. This session covered some key updates from Cisco surrounding MDF and how to accrue and utilise this funding. We ended the session by giving an overview of Cisco Funds Manager, how to overcome some of the common issues partners are experiencing and where you can access enablement materials to help you gain access and use the platform.

Cisco Powered Services, 16 October, 2023

16 October, 2023 - 40:23 minutes

During this session, Rebecca Dukes - Cisco’s EMEA MSP Lead took us through a re-cap of the Cisco Partner Programme and the benefits to Provider Partners. Rebecca also discussed the Cisco Powered Services Specialisations Portfolio and the application / requirements required to take advantage.

Cisco Managed Service Enterprise Agreements, 2 October, 2023

2 October, 2023 - 43:23 minutes

Marc Bakker, Cisco Leader EA Routes to Market EMEA joined us to discuss Cisco Managed Service Enterprise Agreements and the requirements to enrol, the market opportunity available and the portfolios available from Cisco. Marc also covered the True Forward element and addressed past questions.

Cisco Provider Benefits, 26 September, 2023

26 September 2023 - 37:13 minutes

An overview of the Cisco Programmes available, with a focus on the Cisco Provider Programme. This session covered some NEW and key updates from Cisco surrounding MDF and how to accrue and utilise this funding, along with some exciting announcements that will allow you to potentially earn more. We ended the session by giving a high level overview of Cisco Funds Manager and where you can access enablement materials to help you gain access and use the platform.

Why Managed Services for SMB

25 July 2023 - 45:49 minutes

Thomas Swinnen, Comstor EMEA Technical Marketing Engineer joined us to discuss why Managed Services is so importnat for the SMB business. Thomas discussed research and projections that indicate how, as a managed service partner, you are in the best position ever to win the SMB market opportunities. Thomas’ thorough presentation discusses the opportunbities available based on 4 segmentations of behavioural changes within the SMB market (Outcome driven, Hybrid work, ESG Policies and Managed Services).

Cisco Buying Methods (MSLA/ MSEA)

11 July 2023 - 43:40 minutes

On this session we discussed what MSLA is - the definition, the purchasing options, model and the ease of the simplified offer from Cisco. We also discussed the new MSEA offer - its value and the differences and benefits to managed service partners.

Cisco Partner Program

27 June 2023 - 37:34 minutes

A repeat of our popular Cisco Partner Programme Session. This session is an overview of the Cisco Partner Programme (roles and benefits) with a particular focus on the Cisco Provider programme.

Managed Security - MSLA

25 April 2023 - 28:10 minutes

Hear from David Blackburn on what MSLA is, how to enroll and the solutions available within the MSLA portfolio.

Managed Service Enablement

21 March 2023 - 39:35 minutes

Hear from Rebecca Dukes - Cisco EMEA Distribution MSP Lead and Ambra Ricchiuto - Cisco Business Development Manager, on topics such as Flagging Deals, MDF and Cisco Partner Locator Tool. From the Comstor side both David Blackburn - Comstor EMEA MSP Lead and Maria Bretti - Comstor EMEA MSP Marketing Lead summarise how Comstor can support you and who in your region is on hand to help you.

Cisco Partner Programmes

28 February 2023 - 38:52 minutes

This session allowed for an in-depth overview of the Cisco Partner programmes (roles and benefits) with a particular focus on the Cisco Provider programme. Do you know which type of Cisco partner you are? Watch back to find out!

Enabling your Managed Services

13 December 2022 - 50:43 minutes

Learn more about the service creation workshops available via Concept Sales and the additional services available via Comstor’s own Professional Services team.

Empowering your Managed Services

6 December 2022 - 48:11 minutes

Vangelis - Cisco Managed Service Creation BDM, Ahmet Altun - Cisco Capital and Alicia Cuadra - Westcon-Comstor Flexible Payments Product Manager join us to discuss Cisco powered services and the financing options available.

Growing your business with MDF

29 November 2022 - 30:52 minutes

Learn about earning Marketing Development Funds through the Cisco Provider programme and how best to utilise that MDF. You’ll also hear from Diala El Joukhadar - Cisco RTM Marketing Lead on how to utilise the Cisco MVC agency locator.

Being a successful MSP

18 October 2022 - 36:02 minutes

Hear from our MSP Lead in the Middle East region as he shares an inspiring success story of one of our Comstor partners. Discover how this exceptional digital leader has achieved greater success and expanded their managed services focus with the support of Comstor.

Cisco Managed Services Enablement

11 October 2022 - 45:49 minutes

Discover more on Cisco Partner Blackbelt; how to earn MDF and utilise this MDF; the demand generation opportunities through the Cisco Radius Programme and discover how Comstor can provide support to help you make the most of these resources.

Understanding the Cisco Provider Program

4 October 2022 - 44:35 minutes

Within this session we took the opportunity to dive a little deeper into the Cisco Provider Programme with a focus on requirements, benefits and application process.