Cisco Partner Summit: Jason Pernell on Driving SMB Partner Growth in the AI Era, Podcast

Cisco's Jason Pernell discusses AI readiness, security, distribution and new growth opportunities for SMB and mid-market partners.

By Doug Green

Cisco is expanding its partner-led strategy to help small and midsize businesses navigate AI, security and network modernization while creating new opportunities for channel growth.

In this Technology Reseller News (TR) podcast from Cisco Partner Summit in Vancouver, B.C., Kevin Beatty speaks with Jason Pernell, Vice President of Worldwide Mid-Market and Small Business Sales at Cisco, about simplifying technology adoption and improving partner profitability.

“We're partner led, and we're distribution scale,” Pernell explains. Cisco is working with distributors to streamline configurations, expand training and reduce operational complexity, enabling smaller partners to serve more customers.

AI readiness and security are central priorities. Cisco is providing partners with updated playbooks to help SMB customers assess their infrastructure, address vulnerabilities and prepare for AI-driven operations.

Pernell also emphasizes the growing value of industry specialization and managed services. Partners focusing on vertical markets such as healthcare, financial services and legal services can build stronger customer relationships and more predictable recurring revenue.

The discussion also covers Cisco's efforts to recognize advisors and consultants who influence customer technology decisions.

For partners, the opportunity is to move beyond individual product sales toward long-term, services-driven relationships.

Watch or listen to the podcast to learn how Cisco is helping SMB and mid-market partners simplify operations, improve profitability and build sustainable growth.

Learn more: https://www.cisco.com/