Global networking company Cisco on Tuesday said it will expand to 16 more cities in the country and launch a new programme for small and medium business (SMB) specific partners.

The company is already present in nine cities. With the new programme, the company expects to take the number of its partners to 2,100 from the present 1,500 in the next 12 months, Cisco India and SAARC senior vice president (commercial) Pramodh Menon said.

He said the company would follow a strategic roadmap to tap the rapidly growing IT and networking market in SMB space, which would include focusing on new customised products and solutions, and financing schemes such as easy lease programmes.

"The company's new SMB strategy worldwide involves helping customers create a sustainable and competitive advantage, improve operational efficiencies and boost their revenues and profitability," Menon said.