Monday Morning Impact – April 16

AWS Rolls Out Solution Provider Program for Consulting Partners

Amazon Web Services has launched a new, updated partner program designed for AWS Partner Network (APN) consulting partners including systems integrators, MSPs, VARs, and Public Sector partners.

The new program features a tiered discount structure. Additional incentives are available for APN consulting partners who are part of the AWS Competency Program or the AWS Managed Service Provider (MSP) Program, and for bringing in new customer opportunities. New support plans will reward partners based on their capabilities and performance.

Partners can manage, service, support, and bill AWS accounts for end customers, and end customers can have their own terms with AWS.

In addition to discounts on AWS services and Marketplace offerings, benefits include business planning & management support, placement in a partner locator, participation at AWS-hosted events, press release & marketing content support, a partner enablement toolkit, onboarding & operational training, partner solution architect support, and solution provider training webinars.

Channel Impact^®
The program clearly places an emphasis on added value, incentivizing partners for evolving their own models more closely in sync with AWS.

DataRobot Launches Global Partner Program for AI

DataRobot, a Boston-based automated machine learning vendor, has rolled out a new global partner program designed to accelerate the adoption of Artificial Intelligence.

The program is aimed at value added resellers and global and regional analytics consulting firms who have a strong understanding of data analytics and data science, as well as domain expertise within certain industries such as financial services, manufacturing, healthcare, and government or functional domains such as supply chain, marketing, and finance. Having this underpinning of analytics experience better enables partners to develop advanced machine learning and AI expertise that drives higher value for customers implementing machine learning and AI.

“Implementing artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies across their business is still a challenge for many of today’s organizations that rely on traditional modeling methods,” said Jeremy Achin, CEO, DataRobot. “DataRobot’s AI Partner Program is unrivaled in the fact that partners will get access to industry-leading data science talent, education, and resources to jointly upskill their teams and drive the adoption of automated machine learning in enterprises globally.”

The program features extensive technical training on enterprise machine learning and AI; access to APIs and SDKs that enable more efficient integration with customers’ existing environments and services; sales training, marketing, and other support benefits.

According to DataRobot, more than 40 channel organizations have already joined the program.

Channel Impact^®
AI and machine learning are on the verge of driving competitive advantage for channel partners and their customers, but many companies lack the necessary expertise and resources. This program seems to focus on the level of training and resources necessary to help customers more fully leverage their data, enabling insights and predictions more rapidly than would otherwise be possible.

Extreme Networks Launches Financing Options to Customers and Partners

Extreme Networks, Inc. has introduced Extreme Capital Solutions, providing financing options for customers, partners and prospects acquiring the San Jose-based networking vendor’s solutions. Combining Extreme’s CPEaaS (CPE As a Service) offerings with the Brocade Network Subscriptions business, the new offering provides options for leasing, 0% interest financing and an acquisition model that gives customers the ability to acquire network infrastructure without the upfront capital investment. Hardware, software, maintenance and training costs can be bundled into one single financing plan.

“By launching Extreme Capital Solutions, we’re building on a strong legacy program that gives our partners an ability to support evolving consumption models and allows our customers to access Extreme’s hardware and software-driven solutions through a flexible program that meets their needs,” said Ed Meyercord, CEO of Extreme Networks. “Extreme has always been a customer-first organization, and we are confident that Extreme Capital Solutions will provide a competitive alternative to new and existing customers, enabling them to be agile and innovate in the years to come.”

Extreme is offering two compensation plans available through approved Extreme partners, including a VAR-enabled managed service provider model and a traditional resale model. Technical support options and service level agreements are also available.

Channel Impact^®
This initiative is likely to facilitate the move to cloud computing with increased flexibility for risk-averse companies, or for customers with very tight budgets and limited cash flow. This, in turn, represents new revenue opportunities for Extreme and its partners, as well as strengthened relationships with customers.