We’re shaking up the channel with our new Partner (de)Programme
We've been in this game for a while now and we thought it was about time the channel had a bit
We are calling this the (de)Programme because it's taking a very different approach to the programmes we're all used to. We've thrown out the usual one-size-fits-all structure that you typically find with partner programmes, and we've put the focus back on what's important: building long-standing relationships with our partners, that play to their strengths on an individual basis.
A technology partnership shouldn't just be a numbers game. Of course it needs to be profitable for both sides, but for us it's all about the long term relationship rather than making a quick sale. And so we've kept it simple; we've listened to what our partners want and it isn't 5 different types of membership and overcomplicated processes slowed down by masses of red tape. People want reliable services, with excellent support, that are simple to access and easy to sell. So that's exactly what we've done.
With the (de)Programme, we don't differentiate by Gold, Silver or Bronze membership. All of our partners receive the same benefits, no exceptions. Each partner has access to a dedicated portal containing the latest sales and marketing tools relevant to them and their customers, comprehensive training and support, and the ability to apply for co-funded promotional activities.
We're removing the labels, quotas and complexity from partnerships in the channel, enabling our partners to forget about the hassle of managing the relationship and get on with what they do best – selling. Our MD Peter Groucutt puts it quite simply:
"There are an increasing number of cloud service providers and partner programmes to choose from. There are cheap and low quality services that offer the channel the opportunity for big mark-ups but inevitably lead to massive customer churn. On the other hand, there are the types of services we provide that offer the chance build long term, profitable relationships.
"The general trend and shift to cloud services is well documented, but businesses are all at very different stages along that journey. We are offering partners a full, streamlined suite of services from the hot topics of backup and disaster recovery to Hosted Exchange and IaaS."
If you're interested in learning more about the Partner (de)Programme, visit our new partner page or get in touch. Alternatively, if you're heading down to Cloud Expo Europe in London on Wednesday and Thursday this week, stop by stand 1010 and have a chat.