700-750 Cisco Small and Medium Business Engineer (SMBE) Questions and Answers

Cisco Networking Cloud is an integrated platform designed to provide connectivity to and between applications and workloads across various environments, including clouds, cloud services, on-premises data centers, and edge networks. It is crucial for the performance, security, and efficient management of hybrid cloud and multicloud environments. This platform facilitates the simplification of lifecycle management, assures user-experience, reduces time to market for service rollout, lowers operational costs, and minimizes risk for applications and data.

References: = You can find more details about Cisco Networking Cloud and its benefits on Cisco’s official page on cloud networking1.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:When adopting Cisco hybrid workforce solutions (e.g., Cisco Meraki, Webex, Umbrella), SMBs must evaluate several critical aspects to ensure successful implementation and operation in a hybrid work environment:

B. Scalability of solutions:SMBs need solutions that can grow with their business. Cisco hybrid workforce solutions like Meraki are designed to scale easily—adding new devices or locations via the cloud dashboard—making this a key consideration for SMBs anticipating expansion or fluctuating workforce sizes.

D. Security of data and applications:Protecting sensitive data and applications is paramount in hybrid setups where employees access systems remotely. Cisco solutions like Umbrella (DNS security) and Duo (multi-factor authentication) address this by ensuring secure access and safeguarding against threats, a top priority for SMBs with limited security resources.

E. Speed of internet connections:Hybrid workforces rely heavily on reliable, fast internet for seamless collaboration and productivity. Cisco’s networking solutions (e.g., Meraki SD-WAN) optimize bandwidth and performance, making internet speed a critical factor SMBs must assess to support tools like Webex or cloud-managed networks.

A. Employee location preferences:While understanding where employees work is useful, it’s not a primary technical consideration for adopting solutions; it’s more of an HR or operational input rather than a Cisco solution focus.

C. Price of Cisco stock:This is irrelevant to adopting hybrid workforce solutions, as it pertains to Cisco’s corporate valuation, not the functionality or deployment of its products.

B, D, and E directly tie to the technical and operational success of Cisco’s hybrid workforce offerings for SMBs.

References:Cisco’s “Hybrid Work Solutions for SMBs” resources (cisco.com/go/smb) and Meraki documentation emphasize scalability, security, and network performance as key adoption factors, aligned with the 700-750 SMBE exam focus on hybrid workforce enablement.

The Global Partner Services Accelerator (GPSA) is the program that scales Cisco’s technical resources through third-party, services-only partners. This program is designed to provide channel partners with access to validated expert resources, enabling them to extend their capabilities and reach. The GPSA helps partners deliver a broader range of services by leveraging Cisco’s extensive technical knowledge base and support infrastructure1.

References :=

•Cisco Introduces Global Services Partner Program

•Cisco Global and Strategic Partners

•Global Partner Network - Cisco

The Global Partner Solution Advisors (GPSA) program is designed to enhance the capabilities of Cisco’s channel partners by providing them with access to expert technical resources. This program scales Cisco’s technical expertise through third-party, services-only partners, offering hands-on mentorship and coaching from Cisco’s expert engineers. Partners can submit active customer opportunities to GPSA, and a dedicated engineer works with the partner’s field engineers to build their technical practices and skills. This ensures partners can independently support future opportunities, aligning with Cisco’s strategy to empower its ecosystem.

Cisco U is an educational platform focused on training and certification, not a resource-scaling program via third-party partners. MINT is not a recognized Cisco program in this context (it might refer to a typo or unrelated term). Cisco Service is too vague and does not specifically match the description of a global program for scaling technical resources through third-party partners. GPSA directly aligns with the question’s focus on validated expert resources for channel partners.

References:Cisco’s official documentation on the GPSA program, available through partner portals like Sales Connect and the GPSA website (gpsa.cisco.com), emphasizes its role in providing no-cost technical mentorship to partners.

Cisco Modeling Labs (CML) is the solution that allows the setup of virtual network topologies for non-production testing. It is a network simulation tool that enables users to design, build, visualize, and launch virtual network models. This is particularly useful for testing, development, and demonstration purposes without the need for physical hardware. CML provides an environment where network topologies can be modeled using virtual instances of Cisco operating systems, such as IOS, IOS-XE, IOS-XR, and NX-OS.

References :=

•The Cisco Virtual Topology System (VTS) User Guide provides an overview of the VTS, which is related to but distinct from CML, as it focuses on overlay management and provisioning for data center networks1.

•Additional information about Cisco’s virtual networking solutions can be found in the Cisco VTS User Guide, which details the provisioning of overlay networks2.

•For a comprehensive understanding of Cisco’s virtual networking capabilities, the Cisco Virtual Topology System 2.5.2 All-in-One v1 documentation offers scenarios that include creating tenant networks and attaching virtual machines, which are similar to the functionalities provided by CML3.

Cisco is focusing on long-term value, solutions, and relationships to change its sales approach. This shift is driven by the need to move away from a product-centric view to a more customer-centric approach, emphasizing the long-term benefits and solutions that meet specific customer needs. Building and maintaining strong relationships with customers is also a key aspect of this new approach, as it allows for a deeper understanding of customer challenges and the development of trust. This strategy aligns with the broader industry trend towards service and solution-oriented sales models.References :=

https://www.businessinsider.com/cisco-is-changing-a-key-role-on-its-sales-team-2021-10

The Meraki Dashboard is designed to provide a centralized management platform for various Cisco devices, including Meraki and Catalyst devices. The integration of Catalyst devices with the Meraki Dashboard allows for simplified management and monitoring, offering a unified view of the network. This integration enables IT administrators to oversee their network infrastructure, including switches and wireless access points, through the Meraki Dashboard’s intuitive interface12.

References:

•Detailed information about the Meraki Dashboard and its capabilities1.

•Documentation on adding and removing devices from the Meraki Dashboard3.

•Blog post discussing the onboarding of Cisco Catalyst Switches in the Meraki Dashboard2. =========================

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:Cisco empowers SMBs to leverage market trends by providing tailored technological solutions that address evolving needs like hybrid work, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. Products like Cisco Meraki (cloud-managed networking), Webex (collaboration), and Umbrella (security) are designed with SMBs in mind—offering simplicity, scalability, and affordability to capitalize on trends such as remote work or cloud adoption. Cisco’s SMB strategy includes partner enablement (e.g., SMB Specialization) and tools like Business Value Demonstrations, ensuring solutions fit specific SMB goals, whether it’s enhancing customer experiences or improving operational efficiency. This approach helps SMBs stay competitive in a dynamic market.

A. By offering competitive pricing only:While pricing is a factor, Cisco’s empowerment goes beyond cost, focusing on technology value and outcomes, not just affordability.

B. By reducing their market presence:This contradicts Cisco’s goal of expanding SMB market reach through partners and solutions.

D. By limiting access to new technologies:Cisco accelerates SMB access to innovations (e.g., AI-driven analytics, SD-WAN), not restricts it.

Providing tailored technological solutions (C) is the core of Cisco’s SMB empowerment strategy.

References:Cisco’s SMB Technology Solutions page (cisco.com/go/smb) and case studies like Mike’s Bikes show tailored solutions addressing market trends, aligned with the 700-750 SMBE exam focus on SMB market strategies.

The percentage of cyberattacks targeting small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) is significant. According to the latest data, 43% of cyberattacks are aimed at SMBs1. However, this figure can vary depending on the source and the specific time frame of the data. For instance, other studies have shown that the number can be as high as 61%2. It’s important to note that these statistics can fluctuate over time and may not represent the current state accurately. The provided answer of 70% is a commonly cited statistic that reflects the high level of risk SMBs face from cyber threats.References := 1, 2

https://www.strongdm.com/blog/small-business-cyber-security-statistics

The Cisco product that ensures the right devices are connecting to the right application by the right person is Duo. Duo is a multi-factor authentication (MFA) solution that verifies the identity of users and the health of their devices before they connect to the apps they use. This security measure helps prevent unauthorized access and potential breaches. Duo’s MFA requires two or more verification factors, which significantly increases security because even if one factor (like a password) is compromised, unauthorized users would still need the second factor to gain access1.

References :=

•Duo Security - Cisco

For Hybrid SMBs, a crucial concern is the protection of employees, devices, and company data. As businesses adopt hybrid work models, they face unique security challenges. These include securing data across different networks and devices, protecting against cyber threats in a more complex IT environment, and ensuring that employees can work safely from any location. Effective integration of technologies to ensure robust security is essential, requiring expertise and a strategic approach1.

References := The Importance of Hybrid Cloud for SMBs - Spiceworks

Cisco Umbrella provides secure internet access by acting as a cloud-delivered security service. It offers protection against threats on the internet wherever users go. With Umbrella, IT administrators can ensure that company policies are enforced, and users are protected from malicious sites and content. It’s designed to provide the first line of defense against threats on the internet by blocking unwanted content before it reaches the network or endpoints12.

References := 1: Cisco Secure Access - Secure Internet Access - Cisco 2: Introducing Cisco Secure Access - Cisco Blog

Webex is known for its comprehensive suite of features that facilitate collaboration and communication in a business environment. The three key features of Webex include:

1.Meetings: Webex Meetings allows users to host and participate in video conferences with reliable audio and video quality, content sharing, and screen sharing capabilities1.

2.Messaging: Webex provides a messaging platform where team members can communicate through instant messages, share files, and collaborate in real-time1.

3.Calling: With Webex, users can make and receive calls over the internet, providing a unified communication experience that integrates with other Webex features1.

These features are designed to support a hybrid workforce, enabling seamless collaboration regardless of location.

References :=

•Cisco Webex | Webex Meetings | Features1.

•Meet the leader in web conferencing | Cisco Webex2. =========================

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) often face the challenge of navigating through an overwhelming number of security products. This can lead to complexity and confusion, making it difficult for SMBs to choose the right solutions and effectively manage their cybersecurity posture.Unlike larger organizations, SMBs typically have limited resources and may not have dedicated security personnel, which exacerbates the challenge of dealing with too many security products. The key is finding a balance between having enough security to protect against threats and not having so much that it becomes unmanageable or too costly.

References :=

•Cisco’s Small Business Cybersecurity Report highlights that SMBs are tackling cybersecurity challenges and how their efforts compare to larger organizations1.

•The 2021 Security Outcomes Study for SMBs by Cisco provides insights into the experiences of SMBs with cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of managing risk and operating efficiently2.

•Cisco’s insights on cybersecurity for small and mighty businesses discuss the challenges SMBs face, including the lack of talent and skills and the need to simplify their cybersecurity approach3.

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:Cisco DevNet is the platform Cisco uses to enhance customer experiences through APIs and automation. DevNet is a developer program and community that provides tools, resources, and APIs to integrateCisco technologies into custom applications and workflows. It empowers developers and businesses to automate processes, create tailored solutions, and improve user experiences by leveraging Cisco’s extensive API ecosystem (e.g., Meraki Dashboard API, Webex APIs). For SMBs, this means partners or IT teams can build integrations that streamline operations or enhance customer-facing services, such as automated ticketing systems or personalized network management dashboards.

A. Cisco Meraki:While Meraki offers a cloud-managed platform with some API capabilities, it’s primarily an end-user solution for networking, not a developer-focused platform for broader API and automation enhancement.

B. Cisco DNA Center:This is a network management and automation platform, but its APIs are specific to network operations, not a general customer experience enhancement tool like DevNet.

C. Cisco Webex:Webex supports collaboration with some API integration, but it’s a communication tool, not a comprehensive platform for API-driven customer experience innovation.

Cisco DevNet (D) stands out as the dedicated platform for API and automation-driven enhancements, serving both SMBs and enterprises.

References:Cisco DevNet’s official site (developer.cisco.com) and SMB-focused developer resources highlight its role in automation and API integration, aligned with the 700-750 SMBE exam topics on leveraging Cisco platforms for innovation.

Cisco dCloud is a comprehensive demo engineering platform that provides customers, partners, and Cisco employees with the ability to experience Cisco solutions. It offers an extensive catalog of demos, training, and sandboxes for every Cisco architecture. Users can explore how Cisco products and technologies can support their business and technical needs through a variety of demo formats, including expert-led, zero-commitment demos.References :=

https://dcloud-docs.cisco.com/c/r/dcloud-docs/sites/en_us/explore/cisg.html

Cisco is transforming the modern workplace by providing a suite of networking, security, cloud, and collaboration solutions that support businesses in adapting to new work environments. These solutions are aimed at creating Trusted Workplaces that enable a Safe Return to Office and support a Secure Remote Workforce. This includes technologies that automate and secure network connectivity, providesocial density and proximity insights for employee health and safety, and enable collaboration through tools like Webex, which leverage AI, sensors, and alerts to facilitate work from anywhere12.

References := Cisco Shapes the Future of Work, Cisco Powers Hybrid Work