Social Media

Big Data

Major changes to partner go-to-market among IDC 2017 channel predictions

February 2, 2017 Mark Cox Comments Off on Major changes to partner go-to-market among IDC 2017 channel predictions
Other IDC projections for the year ahead include strong partner moves into the digital transformation market, an emphasis on Customer Success programs, and changes to vendor Partner Success models.

Software

Yappn rolls out global strategy for real-time language translation solutions

November 21, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on Yappn rolls out global strategy for real-time language translation solutions
While Yappn has a hybrid go-to market strategy, they are looking to the channel to lead the way, and are particularly interested in attracting top eCommerce-focused partners.

Marketing

HP upgrades partner marketing with Co-Marketing Zone, new Social Media Center

September 13, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on HP upgrades partner marketing with Co-Marketing Zone, new Social Media Center
The HP Co-Marketing Zone now allows partners to track the performance and ROI of campaigns as well as create them, while the Social Media Center is designed to establish partners as thought leaders by providing content that goes beyond HP materials.

Channel Programs

Addition of competencies to HPE Partner Ready program highlight GPC announcements

September 12, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on Addition of competencies to HPE Partner Ready program highlight GPC announcements
Other important changes include the integration of programs for other groups which used to be outside the old umbrella program and the integration of the Aruba PartnerEdge and HPE Networking channel programs into the new Partner Ready for Networking program.

Channel Communities

Changing business models keeping vendors up at night

August 3, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on Changing business models keeping vendors up at night
A highlight of the second day at the CompTIA ChannelCon event was a panel discussion of vendors on changes in the industry, and how to best adapt to them.

Channel Programs

Kaspersky to introduce small business specialization

March 7, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on Kaspersky to introduce small business specialization
While Kaspersky is emphasizing the enterprise in its strategic objectives this year, it is also providing more segmented assistance to partners focusing on different parts of the market. This includes a new specialization which will see small business leads limited to partners who have secured it.

Channel Programs

Unitrends revamps partner program on unique engagement philosophy

February 16, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on Unitrends revamps partner program on unique engagement philosophy
Unitrends is implementing a program based on five stars, with partners earning credit for ranking based on sales, marketing, customer satisfaction, training and social media achievements, in a system that can let smaller partners and even influencers rise in the program.

Cloud

Avaya enhances two midmarket hybrid cloud solutions, and broadens availability

February 9, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on Avaya enhances two midmarket hybrid cloud solutions, and broadens availability
Both Powered by Avaya IP Office and OnAvaya – Google Cloud Platform have already been available to customers through the channel. Now however, their availability has been opened up to more partners, and both solutions have also been enhanced from their initial versions.

Marketing

Avaya pledges new partner-focused marketing initiatives

February 2, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on Avaya pledges new partner-focused marketing initiatives
Avaya has reorganized its marketing strategies to emphasize joint go-to-marketing initiatives with partners, with an emphasis on obtaining case studies for customers.

Channel Programs

New mid-market success kits, partner services opportunities highlight Citrix channel changes

January 12, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on New mid-market success kits, partner services opportunities highlight Citrix channel changes
Citrix channel chief Kimberly Martin was brought into the company last fall to restructure and improve the company’s channel operations. She discusses her mission, the changes that she announced at her first Citrix Summit, and what remains on the drawing board.