NetApp Expanding Partner-First Approach

• The FY’21 program enables partners to build a NetApp focused services practice, to expand margin opportunity, and to offer the best return on their partnership with NetApp.
• Supported by a portfolio of hybrid cloud data services and data management solutions, NetApp enables partners to address their customers’ most pressing digital transformation needs.

NetApp, Inc. announced new updates to its Unified Partner Program to complement and align with its partners’ business capabilities and models.

This partner program will be simplified and expanded to deliver a consistent program experience, enable digital transformation for customers, accelerate partner profitability, and provide partners with a predictable business environment.

“Customers need partners who are subject matter experts and can help them successfully design and implement their digital transformation projects,” said Chris Lamborn, head of global partner GTM and programs. “That’s why in the coming fiscal year, we will recognize partners based on their demonstrated ability to sell, implement, and support NetApp based solutions in areas that accelerate a successful digital transformation journey in a hybrid multicloud world.“

Enhancements to Unified Partner Program in NetApp FY’21 will: 

• Simplify: Will unify contracts and agreements; streamline guides and policies; offer fewer, more focused, deal-based incentive programs; and offer growth attainment rebate programs.
• Expand: Will provide registered partners with access to more information, communications, enablement, and training. The updates will also include bringing cloud first partners into the Unified Partner Program and expanding NetApp Learning Services training programs for cloud partners and service providers. Will also expand and update its specializations with new content and benefits, including the addition of SAP and XaaS (anything as a service).
• Invest: The company will continue to invest in tools that make business planning and incentive management and measurement simpler and more collaborative for partners. It will offer a bigger payout in its new account incentive program and allow rebates to be paid faster through the Run to NetApp Incentive Program. It also launched a new tech refresh incentive program that helps partners take advantage of the firm’s installed base.
• Differentiate: The firm organizes partners by registered, gold, platinum, and star program levels. The program will showcase partners with specific and focused specializations, highlighting partners who provide services across key focus areas, including XaaS, implementation, support, cloud, foundation, hybrid cloud, and converged infrastructure.

“Our clients tell us that when it comes to choosing a partner to help navigate their digital transformation, differentiation and simplification drive their decision-making process,” said Deborah Bannworth, SVP, partner alliances, inside sales, maintenance sales and services, Sirius Computer Solutions, Inc., a NetApp partner. “NetApp’s Unified Partner Program makes it easier for the Sirius team to deliver tangible benefits for our clients and solve their digital transformation challenges, while also expanding, accelerating, and growing as experts ourselves.“

NetApp’s simplified, partner-first approach enables partners to grow and succeed by providing access to a portfolio of hybrid cloud data services and data management solutions. This portfolio and partner program enable the partner ecosystem to solve customers’ challenges and invest in the delivery of key business outcomes, no matter where their data lives.

Blog post about the Unified Partner Program updates, which are available on August 1, 2020.