Company Announcements

Company is First Partner to Achieve New Global Requirements, Expanding Security Offerings Across Cisco Powered Services

MERRIMACK, N.H.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 17, 2026-- Connection (PC Connection, Inc.; NASDAQ: CNXN), a leading provider of information technology solutions to business, government, healthcare, and education markets, is proud to announce that it has earned Cisco Gold Provider status following successful audits of its Managed Firewall and Managed XDR services, adding to its previously awarded Meraki Access service under Cisco Powered Services.

The achievement affirms Connection’s managed services design, governance, and delivery quality under Cisco’s new global requirements for partners utilizing third-party delivery models. The guidelines safeguard program integrity and consistency for customers worldwide. Connection is the first partner globally to be audited and approved under these new standards. Connection secured the new designation by demonstrating industry-leading expertise in operationalizing security services that help customers prevent, detect, and respond to threats with measurable outcomes.

“Connection’s achievement of the Cisco Preferred Security Partner is a testament to their expertise in securing the modern digital core. This milestone is critical as we work together to build the Cisco Secure AI Factory, where uncompromising security is the essential foundation for AI innovation. By combining our technology with Connection’s managed services, we are empowering customers to adopt and scale AI with total confidence,” said Mario Castro, Vice President, Americas, Cloud & AI Infrastructure, Cisco.

“Achieving Cisco Gold Provider status under the industry’s most rigorous new audit requirements reinforces the trust our customers place in us,” said Tim McGrath, President and CEO of Connection. “Cisco’s updated standards set a high bar for accountability, governance, and measurable service outcomes—and I’m proud that Connection is the first partner globally to meet them. This designation validates the strength of our operating model and the dedication of our teams.”

About Connection

Connection, a Fortune 1000 company, calms the confusion of IT by delivering customers industry-leading technology solutions to enhance growth, elevate productivity, and empower innovation. Since 1982, Connection has set new standards for customer service and loyalty, earning the industry’s highest accolades. The Company offers expertise across multiple technology areas, including AI, cybersecurity, data center, digital workspace, multicloud, and technology services.

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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260217535067/en/

Corporate Communications:
Jeff Frank, 603.683.2083
jeff.frank@connection.com

Investor Relations:
Thomas Baker, 603.683.2505
Senior Vice President, CFO, and Treasurer
tom@connection.com

Source: Connection