Cisco Systems has unveiled critical details about how partners will be evaluated and compensated under its upcoming Cisco 360 Partner Program, including the introduction of a new profitability estimation tool designed to help channel partners navigate the most significant program transformation in nearly three decades.

First reported by CRN, the networking giant shared that partners will soon have access to the Cisco Partner Incentive Estimator, a tool that allows them to model their potential profitability within the new program structure.

The announcement comes as Cisco works to address growing partner concerns about the February 2026 transition to Cisco 360, particularly around changes to compensation structures and the elimination of the coveted Cisco Gold partner designation.

“This isn't about cost-cutting," Jason Gallo, Cisco's VP of partner value acceleration, explained. "It's genuinely about trying to simplify a program that we already feel was the best.”

The Partner Incentive Estimator is now available to Cisco's partner-facing teams and is set to roll out directly to partners in August.

Under Cisco 360, which was unveiled last October, the company is streamlining its partner evaluation from 22 specializations across 15 business units down to six focused portfolios: networking, security, cloud and AI infrastructure, Splunk, collaboration, and services.

The new program consolidates multiple existing incentive programs – including VIP, Perform Plus, Lifecycle Incentive, and the Cisco Services Partner Program (CSPP) – into a single Cisco Partner Incentive (CPI) structure.

Back in March, Cisco provided more details on the overhaul, with initial steps occurring this month, including the implementation of different incentive programs and changes to partner payout programs

“Historically, they've had different timelines, different requirements, and different payout rates. It was very confusing for partners,” Gallo explained. “This makes it a lot simpler, but it's not going away. It's really shifting.”

Central to the new-look Cisco 360 is the introduction of a Value Index that measures partners across four pillars: foundational, capabilities, performance, and engagement. This framework moves away from traditional transaction-based metrics toward a more holistic evaluation of partner value delivery.

Partners will be designated as either "Cisco Partner" or "Cisco Preferred Partner" within specific portfolios, replacing the current tiered system that includes the Gold designation many partners have worked years to achieve – and are upset about losing.

The change in designations has been "one of the biggest conversations for Cisco internally," according to Gallo, reflecting the significance partners place on these recognitions in their market positioning.

While the full Cisco 360 program launches in February 2026, some changes are already underway. The Monthly Value Rebate component of CSPP will be retired on July 27, 2025, as Cisco begins consolidating its incentive structures.

Additionally, VIP rates reflecting Cisco's strategic shift toward AI, security, and software adoption will be released in July, aligning with the company's fiscal year planning cycle.

Alongside the program restructuring, Cisco plans to invest some $80 million into partner development, with $60 million allocated for skills training and certification programs, and $20 million for quarterly training events focused on AI, security, and networking.