Cisco Launches AI Network Tools and Expanded Partner Incentives

Cisco Systems Inc. unveiled a suite of AI-driven network management enhancements and a restructured partner incentive program at its 30th annual Partner Summit in Vancouver. The company introduced Model Foundry, a Cloud Control service for fine-tuning purpose-built AI models, and Model Context Protocol servers to standardize how AI agents access network telemetry. To counter emerging security threats, Cisco launched the industry's first quantum-resilient Wi-Fi 7 access point in collaboration with Intel Corp., Microsoft Corp., and Qualcomm Inc.

The company is transitioning its Cisco 360 Partner Program to reward partner capability and investment over scale. This shift includes a 50 percent increase in annual contract value growth rewards, doubled adoption incentives, and the introduction of Ecosystem Deal Registration for advisors and developers. Cisco also made Cisco IQ available to partners to facilitate high-margin managed services through real-time infrastructure intelligence.

Executives noted a significant shift in partner behavior, with AI-related submissions to the Partner Innovation Challenge rising from under 20 percent to over 95 percent. To support this transition, Cisco introduced a five-stage Vulnerability Operations Maturity Model and tools like AI Studio to help partners evolve from resellers into solution builders. While Cloud Control is currently available in the United States, the company plans to expand the service to Canada in the next phase of its rollout.