Verizon Business Receives Cisco Master Security Specialization

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. – Verizon Business has earned Cisco’s Master Security Specialization, recognizing that the company has fulfilled the rigorous training requirements and program prerequisites to sell, deploy and support Cisco Internet Protocol Next-Generation Network (IP NGN) security solutions.

“This designation underscores Verizon’s ability to deliver the security services and products our customers require to manage their security and risk postures,” said Dr. Peter Tippett, vice president of security and enterprise innovation, Verizon Business. “Combined with our recent Master designation for Unified Communications, this makes Verizon Business among the industry’s elite in delivering Cisco IP NGN-based, secure integrated communications solutions.”

The Cisco Master Security Specialization is designed to recognize a select group of partners that have invested in advanced technology skills and have demonstrated success in providing services for Cisco’s value-added security solutions. These include support for Cisco Security Agent; Cisco Security Monitoring, Analysis and Response System (Cisco Security MARS); Network Admission Control; and Cisco IOS® Software. Partners with a highly qualified security practice such as Verizon Business can achieve a Master Security Specialization.

In addition to the Master Security Specialization, Verizon also announced on Thursday (March 11) that it has achieved the Master Unified Communications Specialization and Advanced Data Center Networking Infrastructure (DCNI) Specialization in Europe to become the first U.S.-based global service provider to attain all three designations.

To achieve the Master Security Specialization, partners must first attain the Advanced Security Specialization. Partners then need to meet a series of stringent requirements in three categories: technology capabilities, sales expertise and Cisco Lifecycle Services. Partners are also required to hold Cisco and industry-standard technical certification requirements; provide customer references documenting Cisco-prescribed design and deployment capabilities; and demonstrate that they have the infrastructure to support a full menu of Lifecycle Services offerings and capabilities.

For more information about the Cisco Master Security Specialization, visit: http://www.cisco.com/web/partners/program/specializations/security/master/index.html

About Verizon Business

Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), is a global leader in communications and IT solutions. We combine professional expertise with one of the world’s most connected IP networks to deliver award-winning communications, IT, information security and network solutions. We securely connect today’s extended enterprises of widespread and mobile customers, partners, suppliers and employees – enabling them to increase productivity and efficiency and help preserve the environment. Many of the world’s largest businesses and governments – including 96 percent of the Fortune 1000 and thousands of government agencies and educational institutions – rely on our professional and managed services and network technologies to accelerate their business. Find out more at www.verizonbusiness.com.

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