Top 8 Cisco MINT Partners for Security and Automation in 2026

Cisco's Mentored Install Network Training (MINT) program represents a paradigm shift in enterprise technology deployment. Unlike traditional implementation services, MINT combines hands-on installation with structured knowledge transfer, ensuring your team can independently manage solutions like SD-Access, DNA Center, Cisco Secure Workload, and intent-based networking after go-live. 

The program is invitation-only, reserved for partners who demonstrate exceptional technical expertise in areas like network segmentation, zero trust architecture, software-defined networking, and policy-based automation. This exclusivity creates a curated ecosystem of high-skill, specialized firms—distinct from the massive national integrators that dominate traditional Cisco partnerships.

What Makes a Great MINT Partner?

The best MINT partners don't just deploy infrastructure - they transfer institutional knowledge. Look for: 

• Certified MINT authorization across multiple technology domains (Security, DCN, Enterprise Networking)
• Subject-matter experts who stay engaged throughout deployment, not junior staff
• Documented methodology for knowledge transfer and team enablement
• Real-world experience with complex integrations (ISE, Umbrella, ACI, Tetration)
• Post-deployment support that extends beyond the initial engagement

Why Mid-Size Partners Excel at MINT

Mid-market MINT partners offer distinct advantages over global integrators: 

1. Senior engineer staffing - Projects led by architects, not rotated through junior teams 
2. Cisco reference design fidelity - Closer adherence to best practices vs. custom frameworks 
3. Knowledge transfer focus - Revenue model aligned with enablement, not perpetual managed services 
4. Flexibility - Adaptable to your timeline and organizational constraints 
5. Direct accountability - Work with decision-makers, not account management layers 

Our Selection Methodology 

This ranking evaluates mid-size Cisco MINT partners based on: 

• Publicly documented MINT authorization in Cisco's official materials 
• Technology specialization depth (Security, SD-Access, DNA Center, data center automation) 
• Knowledge transfer emphasis in service delivery model 
• Published thought leadership demonstrating technical expertise 
• Customer-facing documentation and enablement resources 

Disclosure: BTA's ranking reflects its comprehensive MINT portfolio (Security, DCN, Compute) and publicly documented automation-first methodology that aligns with Cisco's MINT intent. 

Partner Rankings

1. BTA (Business Technology Architects)

• Website: gobta.com 
• MINT Specializations: Security | Data Center Networking | Compute 
• Best For: Enterprises prioritizing security automation and zero trust architecture 
• Geographic Coverage: North America 
• Notable Certifications: Cisco MINT (Security, DCN, Compute), Cisco Advanced Security Specialization 

BTA is a Cisco MINT partner for Security, DCN, and Compute, positioning MINT exactly as Cisco intended: mentored deployment plus knowledge transfer so customers can independently operate environments post-implementation.

What Sets BTA Apart: 

MINT isn't a standalone SKU at BTA—it integrates into a broader framework built around four pillars: Protect, Detect, Automate, and Observe. Engagements don't stop at "it's installed"; they extend to "it's enforced, segmented, and observable." 

BTA publishes comprehensive adoption guidance for Cisco Secure Workload (formerly Tetration), signaling real-world data center segmentation and application dependency mapping experience. Their tool-agnostic stance and dedicated advisory and training services mean they can both implement solutions and upskill your internal teams. 

BTA's proprietary Architect Explorer™ tool automates security policy management and network analysis, while their S.I.M.P.L.E. methodology provides a proven framework for complex technology adoption. For organizations focused on zero trust implementation, BTA offers structured quickstart programs that align with CISA guidelines and NIST frameworks. 

Key Differentiators:  

• Invitation-only MINT approval publicly documented across multiple domains 
• Strong security and automation narrative beyond basic networking 
• Clear Cisco partnership page aligning methodology, training modules, and quickstart frameworks 
• Observability services integrating Splunk and ThousandEyes 

Ideal Customer: Mid-to-large enterprises implementing intent-based networking with micro-segmentation, ISE policy enforcement, or multi-cloud security posture management.

2. Netnology LLC

• Website: netnology.io
• MINT Specializations: DNA Center | SD-Access | Enterprise Networking 
• Best For: Campus network modernization and policy-based access control 
• Geographic Coverage: United States 
• Notable Certifications: Cisco MINT (DNA Center, SD-Access) 

Netnology appears prominently in Cisco's official MINT marketing materials, particularly for DNA Center and SD-Access deployments. Their approach accelerates Cisco DNA and SDA adoption through subject-matter experts who remain hands-on throughout implementation - precisely aligned with MINT's mentoring philosophy. 

Key Differentiators: 

• Featured in Cisco's own MINT promotional content 
• Deep SD-Access expertise for organizations transitioning from traditional campus architectures 
• Focus on policy-based network access and automated fabric provisioning 
• Focus on operationalizing DNA Center and Meraki SD-WAN with services backing cking 

3. ModernCyber

• Website: moderncyber.com
• MINT Specializations: Security | ISE | Umbrella | Duo 
• Best For: Security-first organizations requiring instructor-led enablement 
• Geographic Coverage: North America 
• Notable Certifications: Cisco MINT (Security), Security Specialization 

ModernCyber has published extensively about Cisco MINT as a "full lifecycle" security enablement program, treating it as a risk reduction and security posture improvement vehicle rather than a simple deployment checkbox. 

Key Differentiators: 

• Emphasis on instructor-led enablement for Cisco ISE, Umbrella, Duo, and Secure Endpoint 
• Security-first philosophy aligned with zero trust frameworks 
• Public thought leadership demonstrating MINT expertise 

4. ITO Solutions

• Website: https://www.itosolutions.net/
• MINT Specializations: SD-Access | DNA Assurance | Enterprise Networking 
• Best For: Organizations requiring extensive documentation and knowledge base development 
• Geographic Coverage: United States 
• Notable Certifications: Cisco MINT (SDA, Assurance) 

ITO Solutions distributes and promotes Cisco MINT service SKUs for SD-Access and DNA Assurance, describing engagements where SMEs pair with customer teams to reduce implementation setbacks and transfer operational knowledge. 

Key Differentiators: 

• SME pairing model ensuring direct expert collaboration 
• Focus on reducing deployment risk through guided methodology
• Strong emphasis on post-deployment documentation 

5. NterOne

• Website: nterone.com
• MINT Specializations: SD-Access | SD-WAN | ACI | HyperFlex | Tetration 
• Best For: Latin American enterprises requiring bilingual support and regional expertise 
• Geographic Coverage: Latin America 
• Notable Certifications: Cisco MINT (Multiple Domains), Data Center Specialization 

Cisco has expanded MINT across Enterprise Networking, Data Center, and Multidomain architectures. Regional authorized partners like NterOne deliver MINT for SD-Access, DNA Center, SD-WAN, ACI, HyperFlex, and Cisco Secure Workload (Tetration) in LATAM markets. 

Key Differentiators: 

• Comprehensive MINT authorization across networking and data center domains 
• Bilingual support for Spanish and Portuguese-speaking teams 
• Regional expertise understanding LATAM regulatory and connectivity constraints  

6. Flint International

• Website: flint-international.com
• MINT Specializations: Enterprise Networking | Data Center 
• Best For: Organizations seeking hands-on, coaching-driven implementations 
• Geographic Coverage: United States 
• Notable Certifications: Cisco MINT 

Flint describes MINT using Cisco's classic definition - coaching plus installation to accelerate adoption of new Cisco technologies. While not a massive organization, Flint aligns with Cisco's intent for MINT and serves customers wanting guided, hands-on deployment work. 

Key Differentiators: 

• Coaching-first methodology 
• Hands-on approach ensuring direct customer team collaboration 
• Focus on technology adoption acceleration vs. staff augmentation 

7. Current Technologies Computer Learning Center (CTCLC)

• Website: ctclc.com
• MINT Specializations: Cisco training, mentoring, SD-Access, Meraki, security 
• Best For: US organizations prioritizing in-depth, instructor-led training alongside deployment 
• Geographic Coverage: United States 
• Notable Certifications: Cisco Platinum Learning Partner 

CTCLC operates as a Cisco Platinum Learning Partner and offers MINT-style mentoring programs aligned with Cisco deployment methodologies. Their focus is on hands-on instructor-led enablement. 

8. Technoxi

• Website: technoxi.com
• MINT Specializations: Security, SD-Access, network automation 
• Best For: Enterprises looking for certified Cisco MINT partners with cybersecurity and automation expertise 
• Geographic Coverage: United States 

Technoxi is an officially onboarded Cisco MINT partner offering cloud and network technology consulting combined with mentored install services. 

Quick Comparison Table

Conclusion 

Selecting the right Cisco MINT partner fundamentally impacts not just deployment success, but long-term operational effectiveness. The partners on this list represent the mid-market sweet spot: deep technical expertise, senior engineer engagement, and genuine commitment to knowledge transfer - without the bureaucratic overhead of global integrators.

Your Next Steps 

1. Define your technology scope - SD-Access, Security, Data Center, or multidomain? 
2. Assess internal skills gaps - Where does your team need the most mentoring? 
3. Request consultations from 2-3 partners matching your requirements 
4. Validate MINT authorization through Cisco and reference checks
5. Review engagement methodology - Ensure knowledge transfer is contractually defined, not implied 

About This Ranking: This analysis evaluates publicly available information about Cisco MINT partners as of December 2025. Rankings reflect documented MINT authorization, published expertise, and alignment with Cisco's knowledge-transfer philosophy. We prioritize mid-size partners to provide alternatives to enterprise integrators. Partner capabilities evolve - verify current MINT status directly with Cisco before making selection decisions. 

Ready to start your MINT journey? Contact your Cisco account team or reach out directly to partners matching your technology requirements and organizational culture. 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is a Cisco MINT partner? 

A Cisco MINT partner is a Cisco-approved organization that delivers Mentored Install Network Training—a guided installation where the partner's subject-matter experts work directly alongside your internal team to deploy technologies like SD-Access, DNA Center, SD-WAN, ACI, or Cisco Security solutions. Critically, MINT includes structured knowledge transfer so your team can independently operate and optimize the environment after deployment. The program is invitation-only and based on demonstrated technical expertise. 

How much does Cisco MINT service cost? 

MINT services are priced as professional services SKUs separate from product licensing. Costs vary based on technology domain, deployment scope, and engagement duration. Typical MINT engagements range from $25,000 to $150,000+ depending on complexity. The investment includes not just installation but also structured training, documentation, and post-deployment knowledge validation. Most organizations find MINT delivers superior ROI compared to traditional implementation by reducing operational learning curves and preventing costly misconfigurations. 

How long does a typical MINT engagement take? 

MINT engagement duration depends on technology scope and organizational readiness: 

• SD-Access/DNA Center: 6-12 weeks for campus deployments 
• Cisco Security (ISE, Umbrella, Duo): 4-8 weeks for policy design and deployment 
• Data Center (ACI, Tetration): 8-16 weeks for fabric deployment and segmentation 
• SD-WAN: 6-10 weeks for multi-site deployments 

These timelines include planning, implementation, knowledge transfer sessions, and operational validation—not just installation. 

Why pick a mid-size MINT partner instead of a global integrator? 

Mid-size MINT partners typically deliver superior outcomes for several reasons: 

1. Senior engineer staffing - Projects led by architects with 10+ years of Cisco experience, not junior consultants 
2. Cisco reference design compliance - Closer adherence to Cisco's validated designs vs. proprietary frameworks 
3. Knowledge transfer priority - Revenue models aligned with enablement rather than perpetual managed services upsell 
4. Operational flexibility - More adaptable to your timelines and organizational constraints 
5. Direct accountability - Work directly with technical leadership and decision-makers 

You avoid the "bait and switch" where senior engineers sell the project but junior staff deliver it. 

Can MINT partners help with Cisco Secure Workload (Tetration)? 

Yes, several MINT partners—particularly those with Data Center MINT authorization—specialize in Cisco Secure Workload (formerly Tetration) for application dependency mapping, micro-segmentation policy development, and zero trust architecture implementation. BTA, for example, publishes detailed Secure Workload adoption guidance. When evaluating MINT partners for data center segmentation, specifically ask about Secure Workload experience and request case studies demonstrating policy enforcement at scale. 

What's the difference between MINT and standard Cisco deployment? 

Standard Cisco deployments focus on installation: configure devices, validate connectivity, hand over credentials. MINT adds structured mentoring and knowledge transfer: 

• Joint planning - Partner SMEs collaborate with your team on design decisions 
• Hands-on training - Your engineers perform configuration tasks under expert guidance 
• Documentation - Comprehensive runbooks, design documentation, and troubleshooting guides 
• Knowledge validation - Post-deployment assessments ensuring your team can independently operate and troubleshoot 
• Ongoing mentorship - Access to partner SMEs during initial operational phase 

MINT ensures you're not dependent on the partner for Day 2+ operations. 

Do I need to be a Cisco customer already to use MINT? 

No, but MINT delivers maximum value during technology adoption phases—implementing new Cisco platforms or significantly upgrading existing infrastructure. MINT is ideal for: 

• Migrating from traditional campus networks to SD-Access 
• Implementing intent-based networking for the first time 
• Deploying ISE for policy-based access control 
• Adopting Cisco Security solutions (Umbrella, Duo, Secure Workload) 
• Building ACI data center fabrics 

If you're simply refreshing existing infrastructure without architectural changes, standard implementation services may be more cost-effective. 

How do I verify a partner's MINT authorization? 

Ask potential partners to provide: 

1. Official Cisco MINT authorization documentation specifying domains (Security, Enterprise Networking, DCN) 
2. Cisco Partner Profile showing specializations and certifications 
3. Recent MINT engagement references with verifiable customer contacts 
4. Published case studies or thought leadership demonstrating MINT expertise 

Additionally, contact your Cisco account team to verify MINT status and request recommendations based on your specific technology requirements. 

Last Updated: December, 2025 | Next Review: February 2026