The partner playbook provides specific guidance for each of the four vertical markets including market-specific data, typical vertical market business challenges and how to position solutions to line-of-business managers and speak the same language. It also provides use cases, resources, architecture overview and proof points, while also explaining how Cisco solutions can solve problems in each market.

Cisco is seeking partners to jump into the new challenge of approaching companies with a solution to a business problem through the playbook, compared to previously focusing on providing a technology or architecture solution.

"IoE really allows us to change the conversation to the business benefits and the line of business in specific verticals markets," said Steve Benvenuto, senior director of worldwide channels strategy, planning and programs at Cisco, San Jose, Calif.

Partners need to be willing to learn the language of the industry – whether it be manufacturing or transportation – and familiarizes themselves around the sector.

According to Cisco, by 2020 there will be 50 billion "smart object" devices. Connecting all of these devices requires faster hardware, increased bandwidth and greater security, which drive the selling opportunities for things such as routers, switches, firewalls, servers and more.

So there will be opportunities for an array of solution providers who are willing to engage and try out new businesses partnerships that they typically are unfamiliar with. Cisco is striving to find partners who want to learn the benefits of IoE through the playbook, so they can start selling and tap into what they see as a billion-dollar opportunity.