Channel partnerships thrive with Cisco's Splunk acquisition

In a recent significant move set to reshape the landscape of digital resilience, Cisco's acquisition of Splunk is poised to bring substantial improvements to the realm of data security and customer experience.

Splunk's Vice President of Worldwide Channels and Alliances Gretchen O'Hara shared insights into the strategic collaboration and its anticipated benefits during an exclusive interview with TechDay.

"Our whole portfolio focuses on building digital resilience across the entire enterprise," O'Hara explained. "With Cisco, we're expanding on that, ensuring the massive amount of data flowing through systems is secured with their security and networking capabilities."

"Together, we aim to keep our customers safe from bad actors and security threats."

The Cisco-Splunk collaboration addresses one of the most pressing concerns for businesses today: data security.

O'Hara emphasised that the collaboration is committed to delivering an uninterrupted and secure customer experience. "Our goal is not only to avoid disruption but to integrate our products in a way that benefits our customers, ensuring they have the digital resilience they need."

A key element of this connection is the focus on customer experience, which O'Hara believes is fundamental to their success.

"By putting the customer first, we can focus on their needs, solving their business outcomes with relevant use cases that combine Splunk and Cisco's strengths."

Digital resilience, a core theme at the recent .conf24 in Las Vegas, is crucial in an increasingly complex environment where threats emerge from multiple fronts.

"Customers often manage security operations centres (SOCs) for one component, but they don't have the opportunity to run their business comprehensively," O'Hara noted.

"With Splunk and Cisco together, we can analyse all data inputs, secure them, and proactively improve their security stance."

The integration of Splunk to Cisco also aims to leverage AI to enhance cybersecurity.

O'Hara elaborated, "Splunk has utilised AI and ML for some time, but with natural language and generative AI, new possibilities emerge. Our goal is to reduce costs, improve efficiencies, and make smarter decisions faster. However, we firmly believe in keeping humans in the loop to ensure AI responses are accurate and beneficial."

The acquisition decision was a logical step, according to O'Hara.

"Splunk and Cisco have been partners for a long time, integrating and building joint capabilities even before formally coming together. Splunk's strong software and cloud expertise combined with Cisco's global network presence made it a natural fit."

Addressing whether the partnership makes both companies stronger together than apart, O'Hara was unequivocal. "100%. Our combined capabilities offer a competitive full-stack solution for digital resilience. It allows us to provide integrated security, observability, and cloud solutions to a broader customer base."

Reassuring those concerned about Splunk's brand identity, O'Hara confirmed that the name would remain unchanged. "Splunk is a globally recognised brand, and it will continue to be so, albeit now a Cisco company."

The synergy between Cisco and Splunk extends beyond technology, reflecting both companies' ability to engage with a wide range of businesses. "The natural synergies of our technologies, minimal overlap, and shared customer base present vast opportunities for market expansion," O'Hara stated. "Splunk brings deep software and cloud expertise, propelling Cisco into the future of digital transformation."

Discussing the practical impact of the partnership, O'Hara shared that they are piloting a program with Cisco companies that do not yet use Splunk. "We're starting this initiative to help them expand their digital resilience strategy. It's a thoughtful, deliberate approach to identifying and engaging with new opportunities globally."

O'Hara highlighted the importance of taking a measured approach to growth. "For Splunk, it's about building on innovation and delivering the best experience for customers and partners. This partnership is a perfect example of how we can move quickly where it makes sense, providing transparency and a unified roadmap."

The combined expertise of Cisco and Splunk aims to offer an unparalleled full stack of security, observability, and cloud capabilities. "With Cisco's deep data insights and Splunk's analytical prowess, we can provide the best secure and digital resilience experience globally," O'Hara affirmed.

Looking ahead, the partnership promises global expansion. "We see opportunities across the globe, with growing expansion in Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, and America."

"We believe this partnership will significantly enhance our global reach," she added.

In mature markets like Australia and New Zealand, the partnership creates new opportunities. "It opens the aperture for re-engaging and growing with our customer base there," O'Hara said.

She shared recent feedback from partners and customers has been overwhelmingly positive.

"Our partners are excited about the complementary portfolios and expanded skill sets. Customers appreciate the integrated stack and the comprehensive digital resilience story we now offer."

For those hesitant about adopting Splunk, O'Hara has a clear message: "Customers seeking the best digital resiliency for their enterprise will find no better solution than Splunk and Cisco together. There's nothing else like it in the market."

"We are more than a partnership; we are one company, moving forward together to create a safer, more secure digital future."