Unitrends Rolls out Partner Program

Unitrends, Inc., in cloud empowered continuity solutions, announced its new partner program.

Custom built based on partner feedback, the program gives partners the power of choice over their level of engagement. Unitrends understands that in digital world, protecting ideas and keeping businesses running is non-negotiable. This new program extends that philosophy and demonstrates Unitrends’ commitment to delivering exceptional service and support to both its customer and partners.

Engagement Model Eliminates Complex Tiers, Expands Partner Community
Based on a progressive engagement model, partner program gives partners the freedom to determine the level of involvement that fits their business needs. Using this framework, every partner gets rewarded for engagement activities, regardless of size and revenue – a stark contrast from traditional programs with complex tiers tied to financial targets, which ultimately favor a limited number of large companies.

Built on the gamification principle, the program enables partners to access benefits and incentives without feeling stifled by imposed levels and objectives. The program features a five-star rating system, which rewards engagement both at the business and employee levels with points. In addition to traditional measures, like deal registrations and closed business, partners can earn points through various sales, marketing and training initiatives that support partner growth, such as completing certification courses, hosting a webinar, running a marketing campaign, or promoting Unitrends via social media. Employees can also accrue points by participating in Unitrends’ existing UniRewards program.

Points are the key to unlocking star rankings, each of which comes with additional rewards and benefits, such as lead referrals and routing, and access to free Unitrends’ product licenses for demonstrations and Marketing Development Funds (MDF). The more a partner engages with Unitrends, the higher it will rank, increasing its visibility with end users and other partners.

“Unitrends’ new partner program aligns well with how we go to market as a company,” said Keith Gill, strategic marketing manager, Avisolve LLC. “This new program helps strengthen our partnership by recognizing and rewarding what we do and how it contributes to our mutual success.“

Community of Evangelists
Unitrends’ partner program is more than just leads and revenue – it’s about building a strong partner community and brand with trusted advisors and technical evangelists across the globe. A variety of partner personas at varying sized companies can participate, including distributors, Direct Market Resellers (DMRs), VARs, Strategic Service Providers (SSPs), bloggers, consultants and other influencers. Small organizations have access to the same benefits as their larger counterparts.

“As a new partner, we’ve quickly discovered the value of working with Unitrends,” said Steve Anthony, director, E-ZU Solutions Ltd. “The partnership has helped us substantially grow our pipeline and sales over the past six months. Unitrends’ new partner program is an exciting development that will only continue to enhance the relationship.“

To ensure each partner has quick and easy access to relevant information and go-to-market assets, Unitrends has also launched a partner portal. Designed to serve as a virtual social community, it offers marketing- and sales-focused tools and materials, technical training and certifications, and support resources customized by partner persona, company size and level of engagement. The portal also connects partners with Unitrends’ sales and support communities.

“We operate on a pure channel sales model, so establishing lasting, symbiotic relationships with our partners is crucial to growing our business,” said Mike Dalton, Unitrends’ SVP of WW channels and international field operations. “We’ve architected our new partner program to create a unique and personalized experience for each and every partner that acknowledges their individual value and the role they play as a Unitrends’ evangelist. Our dedicated support, customized training and enablement tools, and industry-leading solutions make it easy for partners to maximize their growth in a way that best accommodates their business.“

Emphasis on Customer Service
Unitrends is devoted to delivering a customer experience, as evidenced by the support team’s ability to consistently achieve a satisfaction rating exceeding 98% – and the company requires the same commitment from its partners.

The key to obtaining a five-star partner status with Unitrends is dependent on the partner’s ability to achieve a superior customer satisfaction rating. Scoring is based on how partners are recognized by their customers across a number of categories, including their ability to provide an exceptional sales experience, remain highly responsive, and deliver superior service and support.