Anjum Mushtaq, Distribution Manager, Cisco Gulf Region and Renton D’Souza, Vice President, Comstor MEA outline how their solutions are relevant and accessible to the unique digital transformation needs of SMBs.
Anjum: My advice to SMBs would be to start by identifying key business outcomes—such as improved security and digital resilience, operational efficiency, and enhanced collaboration—and choose solutions that are scalable and easy to manage. Leverage the expertise of Cisco certified partners and the robust support ecosystem of Cisco to access training, demos, and tailored guidance. Embracing cloud-managed solutions and integrated security from the outset will future-proof your business and position it for growth.
What role does the channel ecosystem play in the success of Cisco SMB solutions?
Anjum: The channel ecosystem, including distributors like Comstor, plays a pivotal role in delivering Cisco’s SMB solutions to market. Partners benefit from value-added services, technical support, and enablement programs that accelerate solution adoption and maximise customer value. This collaborative approach ensures that SMBs receive not just technology, but also the expertise and ongoing support to use those solutions for long-term success.
What recent innovations or launches have made a significant impact for SMBs in the region?
Renton: A major recent launch is Comstor’s Managed SOC powered by Cisco XDR, which enables partners to deliver advanced threat detection and response services without the cost and complexity of building their own SOC. This addresses the growing demand for managed security services among SMBs, helping them comply with regulations and protect against evolving threats while keeping costs predictable.
How do Cisco and Comstor ensure that their solutions remain accessible and relevant to the unique needs of SMBs?
Renton: User-friendliness, scalability, and affordability are key focus areas for Cisco when designing its SMB solutions. Comstor complements this by offering tailored support and white-label services to its partners, thereby ensuring that even SMBs with limited IT resources can access enterprise-grade technology. Both organisations continuously gather feedback from partners and end customers to refine their offerings and address emerging business challenges.
Image Credit: Comstor & Cisco
