Telkom today became the first accredited Cisco Systems Gold Certified Partner in sub-Saharan Africa to certify on Cisco`s new Channel Partner Programme. The accreditation enables Telkom to tender for complex network integration implementations with Cisco equipment, based on the enhanced value-driven model of the Channel Partner Programme.
"Telkom has been awarded the new partner programme Gold Certified Partner status as it has met and exceeded the prescribed criteria," says Cisco Systems channel director, Steve Midgley. "Our new enhanced channel programme places emphasis on, best business practices, technology specialisation, as well as customer satisfaction. Telkom has demonstrated its commitment to these ideals with its rapid attainment of the new Gold certification."
Telkom has also recently been awarded the prestigious Cisco Powered Network (CPN) status for its end-to-end VPN offering, adding internationally credible value to its customers and giving the opportunity to add further value-enhanced product lines.
"Telkom has gained expertise in four of the possible seven Cisco technology specialisation areas, although the parameters of the Gold certification only stipulate three specialisations," says Telkom`s Managing Executive for Corporate and Global Markets, Randall Seidl.
"We deliberately chose to specialise in IP/Telephony, Voice Access, VPN Security and Network Management, to enhance our ability to provide a total business communications solution to our customers," he explains.
The accreditation means Telkom can provide increased levels of support to its customers through highly trained and skilled staff based at its National Network Operations Centre (NNOC), as well as Telkom`s Business Solution consultants and specialist sales support staff. These specialists advise customers on customised and cost-effective solutions that will meet their business requirements, while technical specialists at the NNOC advise field operators who are on site, ensuring rapid and lasting solutions.
"The new Cisco Gold Partner status gives Telkom access to Cisco`s development and system engineers worldwide, ensuring quick response times and efficient solutions to any customer problems that may arise," says Seidl.
Cisco introduced the new partner programme in July 2001 to support current industry challenges and requirements.
"The new programme places a great deal of emphasis on customer satisfaction as this is a route to achieving customer loyalty and retention. An independent company is used to survey the customer and obtain an objective satisfaction score. This is then used as an evaluation tool to ensure that all Cisco partners are offering high levels of service to the end customer based on best business practices employed in our own business," says Midgley.
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