Cisco, Apple Nearing Partnership?
Is opportunity ringing for Cisco and Apple VARs? Perhaps so. Ever since Apple announced the iPhone in January, The VAR Guy has been calling on Apple and Cisco to ink a partnership — rather than feud over the iPhone name (which Cisco owns).
Late Wednesday, Apple and Cisco provided the first hint that a partnership may be coming. The duo issued a single-sentence joint statement indicating that Cisco will allow Apple more time to respond to a lawsuit. The Olive Branch could give Apple the time it needs to hammer out an agreement on trademark rights and interoperability with Cisco.
Sure, the discussions could collapse. But The VAR Guy thinks there’s too much upside for Apple and Cisco to leave the negotiating table.