Sheriff Azzam, Business Unit Manager, Comstor KSA, took the time to explain why unofficial solutions pose business risks not experienced by members of the official Cisco Partner Network in this exclusive interview.
Sheriff Azzam, why is it so important for customers to buy Cisco solutions from authorised partners?
Buying through authorised Cisco partners ensures customers receive genuine products, full Cisco warranty and support, and access to the latest updates, security patches, and licensing. Unauthorised sources may offer lower prices, but they often sell counterfeit or grey-market equipment that can fail compliance checks, expose networks to security risks, and is not eligible for Cisco’s support programs.
Can you explain how buying through unauthorised sellers can affect an organisation’s network and credibility?
Unauthorised sellers often cannot guarantee the authenticity or security of the products they sell. Using such equipment can lead to network failures, security vulnerabilities, and loss of manufacturer support. For organisations in regulated industries like finance, oil & gas, or government this can result in non-compliance penalties and serious reputational damage.
How does Comstor KSA support partners and customers in maximising the value of Cisco investments?
At Comstor KSA, we go beyond distribution. Our mission is to help partners grow profitably with Cisco. We provide technical enablement, sales certifications, and marketing support, along with access to Cisco’s Partner Programs. By ensuring every product and service comes through authorised channels, we help organisations build secure, scalable, and future-ready networks.
What’s your advice to customers looking to upgrade their networks in 2026?
I’d encourage customers to work closely with certified Cisco Partners especially those aligned with authorised distributors like Comstor. This not only guarantees product authenticity but also connects them with Cisco’s innovation ecosystem. At a time when cybersecurity and cloud transformation are top priorities, trusting the authorised channel means investing in long-term reliability, performance, and peace of mind.
Image Credit: Comstor
