NetApp Enhances its Partner Program

NetApp announced new enhancements to the NetApp Partner Program, formerly known as the VIP Program. The renamed NetApp Partner Program will continue to build on the industry-leading channel program initiatives that NetApp has become known for over the years, with new investments in infrastructure and enablement tools to help make doing business with NetApp easier for partners. In addition, the name change reflects a change in the structure of the program, with the NetApp Partner Program now officially encompassing all indirect selling partner types, including NetApp’s OEM partners, to align all indirect efforts under one global program.

New program enhancements include:

• NetApp Field Portal is a new tool for use by direct and indirect sales teams to access company and product information to support customers throughout the buying cycle. Replacing PartnerCenter, this single portal optimizes field and partner effectiveness and provides the ability to track information sent directly to customers. Sales tools, marketing resources, product information, and educational training and programs for direct sales and indirect sales teams are all available through this single enablement location.
• Campaign Express provides NetApp branded marketing support to all NetApp channel partners through the Field Portal. Using this new tool, partners can set up an automated marketing system to create and execute their own specialized campaigns for NetApp® solutions, from lead generation to collateral development to metrics reporting.
• The NetApp GetSuccessful Partner Enablement Program was initiated to help partners around the world maximize strategic opportunities and distinguish themselves with their customers. GetSuccessful empowers channel partners to successfully sell and position specific NetApp solutions through videos on demand, solutions kits, and face-to-face workshops, allowing partners to focus on providing customers value-add solutions and services. New support tools for Windows® Storage Consolidation environments are now available to partners along with existing materials for virtualization, deduplication, and storage efficiency technologies.

"At the end of the day, partners want to do whatever we can to improve our relationships with our customers, and we need as much of NetApp as we can get," said Amy Rao, president and founder, Integrated Archive Systems (IAS). "The fact that NetApp is giving us access to the same Field Portal that’s used by their direct salespeople speaks volumes about their commitment to – and investment in – their channel partners."

"I can always count on NetApp for a steady partner program that builds upon itself every year," said Hayes Drumwright, CEO, Trace|3. "Even in tough times, NetApp continues to invest in the channel and remain true to its commitment to its valued partners. From services opportunities to industry-leading enablement tools, NetApp wants partners for the long term."

"NetApp is dedicated to investing in our partners in order to help further their businesses and open new opportunities for them to work with their customers to solve inefficiencies in their data centers," stated Julie Parrish, vice president, Global Partner Sales. "High-impact enablement tools such as the NetApp Field Portal and Campaign Express are just a few examples of how we are making it easier for our partners to stay focused on what they are good at – being the trusted advisor to their customers. Building on the GetSuccessful Program, the Authorized Professional Service Partner Program, and our Channel Specialization certifications, NetApp continues to focus on strengthening our long-term partner relationships with new enhancements to the NetApp Partner Program around the globe."