Cisco Podcast Network

Shift Happens -Episode 5: Cisco 360 Partner Program & AI - Unlocking the $43B Networking Opportunity

In this episode of Shift Happens, host Jeff Edwards sits down with Rakesh Samtani, Senior Director of Partner Networking Sales at Cisco, to explore how AI is transforming network management and how the Cisco 360 Partner program initiative is reshaping the partner landscape. From key innovations unveiled at Cisco LIVE to actionable insights that can drive growth and profitability, this conversation dives into the $43 billion network refresh opportunity and what it means for partners ready to lead with AI.
What you’ll learn:
• Why AI is the engine of next-gen networking
• How Cisco the 360 Partner Program is evolving the partner model
• The power of new messaging and partner engagement
• Big takeaways from Cisco Live
• How to capitalize on the $43B opportunity
Mic drop moments:
“We are investing with our partners.”
“AI is moving GDPs.”
“It’s time to buzz the tower.”

Beyond ”Break-Fix”: Assuring Performance in the AI Era

As AI transforms IT infrastructure, it’s also reshaping what it takes for IT operations teams to assure performance and maintain quality digital experiences.
In this episode, we’ll explore the new challenges facing ITOps teams as AI becomes more integrated into IT environments, covering key digital resilience strategies and important considerations.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro
00:54 AI & IT Infrastructure
03:15 Assuring Performance on Your AI Journey
04:55 Distributed Architecture
07:49 Digital Resilience
10:21 Catching Issues in the AI Era
11:47 Performance Problems
13:57 AI Readiness: A Journey, Not a Destination
15:07 Get in Touch
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For additional insights, check out this Guide to Next-generation Assurance: https://www.thousandeyes.com/resources/guide-to-next-generation-assurance-ebook?utm_source=soundcloud&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=fy25q4_internetreport_q4fy25ep5_podcast
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Want to get in touch?
If you have questions, feedback, or guests you would like to see featured on the show, send us a note at InternetReport@thousandeyes.com. Or follow us on LinkedIn or X.
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ABOUT THE INTERNET REPORT
This is The Internet Report, a podcast uncovering what’s working and what’s breaking on the Internet—and why.
Tune in to hear ThousandEyes’ Internet experts dig into some of the most interesting outage events from the past couple weeks, discussing what went awry—was it the Internet, or an application issue?
Plus, learn about the latest trends in ISP outages, cloud network outages, collaboration network outages, and more.
Catch all the episodes on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform:
- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-internet-report/id1506984526
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5ADFvqAtgsbYwk4JiZFqHQ?si=00e9c4b53aff4d08&nd=1&dlsi=eab65c9ea39d4773
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/ciscopodcastnetwork/sets/the-internet-report

404 Script Not Found: Tales from the Field

WELCOME to Episode 18 of 404 - today, we're joined by Cisco SMB sales leader Koko Burns, and while her resume is impressive, her tales from her time in the field are even more so.
Koko shares with us her real life experience with a Tinder Swindler, obituary hunting, and how to navigate awkward client interactions - spoiler: some people make it impossible. And once again, Kat reminds us that she's easily scammed.
If you have any interest in what tech sales is really like, we think you'll enjoy this episode.
Oh! And now you can WATCH 404 on our channel: https://www.youtube.com/@404ScriptNotFound
If you've read this far, and are actually looking for information on Cisco's solutions that you can use to enable your sellers you can check them out here: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html#tabs-a107e9a621-item-6caff3e5bb-tab

S6 E6: Talking AI-Era Network Architecture for Campus, Branch, and Industrial with Lawrence Huang, Greg Dorai, and Vikas Butaney

AB sits down with three of Cisco’s leaders: Lawrence Huang, SVP and GM of Network Platform and Wireless; Greg Dorai, SVP and GM of Cisco's Switching business; and Vikas Butaney, SVP and GM of Cisco Routing and Industrial IoT, to discuss Cisco's latest advancements, from AI-driven network management to Industrial IoT solutions, highlighting how these and other technologies are transforming the way businesses operate across diverse environments to deliver operational simplicity to our customers.

S6 E5: Talking Quantum Computing and Emerging Technologies with Ramana Kompella

AB sits down with Ramana Kompella, Cisco Fellow and Head of Cisco Research, for a great talk about Cisco's focus on quantum networking as a next-generation technology. From networking entanglement to the importance of research to the development of Cisco's new networking-entanglement chip, this conversation highlights how Cisco is innovating in ways that aim to unify classical and quantum internet infrastructures.

Shift Happens-Episode 4: Cracking the Code: Cisco 360 Partner Program & the Partner Value Index

In this episode of Shift Happens, host Jeff Edwards talks with Ken Seitz, Senior Director at Cisco, about the Cisco 360 Partner Value Index (PVI)—a game-changing shift in how Cisco recognizes and rewards partner performance. They break down how the Partner Value Incentive works, what it means for branding and profitability, and how it’s helping partners sharpen their focus in key areas like networking, security, and AI.
Ken shares insights on the move from a one-size-fits-all recognition model to a more specialized approach, why predictability matters, and how partner feedback is shaping future improvements. Plus, you'll hear exactly what steps partners can take now to make the most of their Partner Value Index scores and the Cisco 360 Partner program.
Key takeaways:
• What the Partner Value Incentive is and why it matters
• How Partner scores impact branding and profit
• Why specialization is the new strategy
• The role of partner incentives
• Actionable ways to boost your Partner Value Index score

404 Script Not Found: Work and Working Out

We jump right in by talking...supplements? Kat may be Pablo Escobar, who knows. She makes her own preworkout, and the rules around here.
Kat then has a fire alarm, so we had to restart the show halfway through (shoutout to our production team, this ended up flowing really well).
We then get into what we meant to talk about: tips for balancing work and working out, and why we both think it is SO important. Spoiler: working out makes you a better employee. We share our best practices for committing and staying committed to fitness, no matter what our 9 to 5 throws at us!
If you've read this far, and are actually looking for information on Cisco's solutions that you can use to work from anywhere, even the gym, you can check them out here: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html#tabs-a107e9a621-item-6caff3e5bb-tab

Cisco SE Talks: Conversations on AI Featuring Jeetu Patel

We are LIVE with a powerful kickoff episode featuring Jeetu Patel, Cisco's President and Chief Product Officer.
In this kick-off episode, Jeetu reveals the core philosophy reshaping Cisco: “Quality is priority zero.” This is not the Cisco you knew 20 years ago. It’s a company redefining itself as an AI market leader, the incredible impact of Cisco SEs and Partners: “we’ve got to take the message and go to every single customer to re-educate the market on who Cisco is.”
Hear directly from Jeetu how Cisco is “side by side with our partner community fighting the fight” in this new era of monumental change. If you’re excited to hear more about Cisco’s relevancy spanning across all verticals, you’ll definitely want to tune in!
Watch Jeetu's Kickoff on Cisco's YouTube Channel:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-3kAv17wx4&list=PLFT-9JpKjRTBR60Rlx_nt_u6S6_YDjELi&index=2

Shift Happens - Episode 3: Ready, Set, Grow Unlocking Cisco’s New Partner Incentive Estimator

In this episode of Shift Happens, Jeff Edwards welcomes Sharon Price, Director of Strategy & Planning for Cisco’s Global Partner Organization, to unpack the new Cisco Partner Incentive (CPI) Estimator. Sharon shares how the tool helps partners model profitability, plan for growth, and align with the Cisco 360 Partner Program. Whether you're a partner or field team member, this episode gives you the insights—and the action steps—you need to start planning today. Because clarity isn’t the end goal. It’s the beginning.

404 Script Not Found: Workplace Productivity

This week Kat and Ian are diving into one of their favorite topics - Workplace Productivity. We've heard Ian's terrifying email organization (or lack thereof before), but believe it or not, this week he's coming in hot with the productive tips.
Tune in this week for WebEx features that even Kat didn't know existed, and a general education on online folders for Ian.
OH and if you're here for additional information on Cisco's solutions that can support your team's productivity, *cough* Webex *cough*, you can check them out here: https://www.cisco.com/site/us/en/solutions/small-business/index.html#tabs-a107e9a621-item-6caff3e5bb-tab