Carrier Access IT Achieves All Cisco Preferred Distinctions and Cisco Powered Service Status Under New Cisco 360 Partner Program
January 26, 2026
Carrier Access IT (CAIT), a leading information technology partner in the Midwest, has achieved all Preferred Distinctions within Cisco's new Cisco 360 Partner Program, marking a significant milestone in the company's continued investment in technical excellence, client outcomes, and lifecycle IT services.
Cisco's transition from its legacy Gold, Premium, and Select tiers to the new Cisco 360 Partner Program is designed to better align capabilities with real-world customer needs across infrastructure, security, collaboration, and services. Partners who achieve Preferred Distinctions demonstrate advanced technical expertise, proven customer success, and a strong commitment to delivering business value through Cisco technologies.
Carrier Access IT has earned Preferred Distinctions in all five categories:
- Cisco Partner - Cloud and AI Infrastructure Preferred
- Cisco Partner - Collaboration Preferred
- Cisco Partner - Networking Preferred
- Cisco Partner - Security Preferred
- Cisco Partner - Services Preferred
Achieving all five distinctions places CAIT among an elite group of Cisco partners nationwide and reflects the depth of its engineering talent, investment in certifications, and focus on long-term client success.
"Earning all five Cisco Preferred Distinctions proves that enterprise-grade capability doesn’t have to come from a distant national provider,” said Chad Kruse, President of Carrier Access IT. “We’re reshaping the market with local engineers who know our clients personally, operate transparently, and are accountable for real results.”
In addition to these five Preferred Distinctions, CAIT has also earned Cisco Powered Service status - a designation that validates the quality, consistency, and reliability of CAIT's managed services delivered using Cisco technology.
“The Cisco 360 Partner Program is raising the bar for what great partnership looks like, and CAIT is already operating at that higher standard,” said Josh Cord, Cisco Channel Manager. “Earning five Preferred Distinctions, along with Cisco Powered Service status, is a significant accomplishment that underscores their technical leadership, customer focus, and alignment with Cisco’s strategic vision.”
About Carrier Access IT
Carrier Access IT is a Midwest-based IT solutions provider helping organizations design, deploy, secure, and optimize their technology environments. With a team of highly certified local engineers, CAIT partners with clients to deliver practical, high-impact solutions that drive measurable results. For more information, visit www.carrieraccessit.com.
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