The award evaluates partners based on the depth of investment from sales, marketing, and technical teams in delivering joint services. According to Shannon Leininger, SVP and Global Partner Sales Chief at Cisco, Carbon 9 Defense was selected for its ability to leverage Splunk’s AI capabilities to address complex security challenges. The selection process involved assessments by Splunk executives and theater leaders aimed at identifying partners who demonstrate significant technical expertise.

Carbon 9 Defense President Finn Ramsland attributed the achievement to the firm's focus on mission-critical results. Founded by offensive cyber specialists, the company concentrates on defending government agencies and the defense industrial base against persistent threats from near-peer adversaries. The partnership with Splunk serves as a primary vehicle for these operations, allowing the team to expand security coverage across an increasingly fragmented digital landscape.