Training

Channel Programs

Equinix adds first partner training programs as company restructures to strengthen channel

March 21, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on Equinix adds first partner training programs as company restructures to strengthen channel
Ex-Rackspace channel chief Chris Rajiah also indicated that following a broad recruitment effort last year, which included mainly agents and referral partners, Equinix is focusing on adding key resellers this year, especially top Microsoft partners.

Security

Kaspersky unveils new enterprise solutions – with SMB cloud on the horizon

March 7, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on Kaspersky unveils new enterprise solutions – with SMB cloud on the horizon
The Kaspersky Anti Targeted Attack [KATA] Platform is a premium multilayered solution aimed at stopping the most dangerous targeted threats, while the company also announced a series of new services, including penetration testing, cybersecurity training and threat intelligence sharing.

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.

Channel Programs

StorageCraft looks to expand product line, redo channel program

January 27, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on StorageCraft looks to expand product line, redo channel program
New StorageCraft channel chief Marvin Blough talks with ChannelBuzz about the plans to take the company to the next level, which include a new cloud offering this week.

Channel Programs

Salesforce outlines progress on new partner readiness, partner experience initiatives

January 25, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on Salesforce outlines progress on new partner readiness, partner experience initiatives
New Salesforce certifications are scheduled for March and April, while both the self-service Trailhead modules and the face-to-face Partner Fast Forward continue to progress to schedule.

Channel Programs

EMC tweaks partner program in response to partner feedback

January 22, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on EMC tweaks partner program in response to partner feedback
Changes for 2016 include allowing Authorized partners to qualify for the Silver tier at mid-year, increasing the Silver rebate payout, and changing revenue tier thresholds in some markets, which include Canada, but not the U.S.

Distribution

Avnet acquiring Ottawa’s ExitCertified to nearly double North American training resources

January 7, 2016 Mark Cox Comments Off on Avnet acquiring Ottawa’s ExitCertified to nearly double North American training resources
The acquisition expands Avnet’s line card, adding training authorization for some vendors who they already carried. It also will strengthen them in new solution areas, and in the government space.

Channel Programs

Data protection vendor Druva adds MSP channel, launches MSP partner program

November 17, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on Data protection vendor Druva adds MSP channel, launches MSP partner program
Druva is mainly focused on the enterprise space, and its new MSP channel will give them a stronger presence downmarket. They are especially looking to recruit new MSPs who have no data centre.

Small Business

SAP Business One helps drive Canadian medical distributor’s continued growth

November 11, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on SAP Business One helps drive Canadian medical distributor’s continued growth
London, Ontario-based Tribe Medical Group moved to SAP Business One, version for SAP HANA last year, and have found its simplicity critical in helping them sell, keep staff, and control complexity.

Channel Programs

Sage pledges strong channel commitment with new global, North American partner programs

November 3, 2015 Mark Cox Comments Off on Sage pledges strong channel commitment with new global, North American partner programs
Sage pledges to reverse its recent past with reworked programs, including a North American program designed to make it easier for partners to make money with Sage.