Acronis Updates #CyberFit Partner Program

Acronis International GmbH unveiled the details of its #CyberFit Partner Program.

This update to the existing program places increased emphasis on supporting partner development, particularly for cloud-based services, while rewarding service providers and resellers for their expertise, commitment, and growth through performance-based benefits and financial compensation.

Acronis’ cloud ecosystem has more than doubled since 2018 and last year saw the largest growth in the number of new partners, with a 30% increase in the number of active service provider partners during 2020.

Now, based on feedback from its partners, the company provides a partner program that supports forward-thinking go-to-market strategies – enabling partners to earn more while deploying cloud-based solutions o meet their clients’ protection challenges.

“Acronis makes profitability of our partners a priority. Since the launch of Acronis Cyber Protect last year, we received overwhelmingly positive feedback from partners about the ability to scale their business and increase their IT professionals’ productivity by orders of magnitude. Acronis Cyber Platform enabled partners to automate, customize and deliver cyber protection at a level that was not possible before,” said Serguei Beloussov, founder and CEO. “Now, with the introduction of the new #CyberFit Partner Program, focused on Cloud business, partners have all the tools to steadily grow their business and introduce new cyber protection services to their customers.“

Reimagined as unified program for service providers and resellers,
#CyberFit Partner Program includes:

• Financial incentives that increase as partners advance within the program’s levels, including rebates and proposal-based market development funds (MDF).
• Marketing and sales assets, with additional marketing automation tools and renewal tools coming in March 2021.
• Account management assistance that increases with program level, with dedicated marketing support available to Platinum partners.
• Enhanced technical support to enable faster response times.
• Sales and technical training via the Acronis #CyberFit Academy, with courses available both live and online.

Given the breadth of the enhanced program, industry observers have noted that Acronis is providing the support that many in the IT channel are seeking.

“In today’s digital-focused world, it is critical for vendors to connect easily and efficiently with partners to optimize the user experience,” said Phil Goodwin, research director, IDC. “Acronis’ new #CyberFit Partner Program was designed to create this exact kind of relationship. By enhancing this offering over the past few years, Acronis has demonstrated its commitment to providing total marketing, technical and financial support to its partners now and in the future with a dedication to cyber protection solutions.“

Additional enhancements to come
The vendor also revealed that beginning in March, partners will be able to engage with a new partner portal, a platform that will make account management and communication.

“Our partners’ success is our success,” says Acronis channel chief Alex Ruslyakov. “By increasing our sales, marketing, and technical support tools and training, we’re making it easier than ever for partners to protect and delight their customers with Acronis’ world-class cyber protection solutions. Acronis continues to invest in partner development and growth to our mutual benefit.“

The launch was followed by the 2021 Acronis #CyberFit Partner Kickoff event, held virtually on February 2. Attendees learned more about Acronis’ roadmap for 2021 and what to expect over the course of the year – including additional new tools, licensing models, and training opportunities. The firm also unveiled a new licensing format at the event, which is designed to help partners create new opportunities and new revenue streams by expanding their cyber protection services in the coming year.

Partners react to the enhanced program

“We are excited by the new Acronis partner program,” said Kuo Yoong, cloud program manager, Synnex Australia Pty Ltd. “This program incentivizes a stronger partnership between Synnex and Acronis partners to further grow Acronis cybersecurity solutions to protect reseller businesses in the evolving threat landscape.“

UbiStor, Inc.‘s CEO Dan Hill had a similar reaction, saying: “Today, we are all relying on data like never before, and we are at ease knowing our customer’s data is safe and secure with Acronis’ effective and affordable solutions coupled with UbiStor’s 24/7/365 managed services. We are thrilled to be a part of the newly improved partner program and excited to take advantage of the new incentives to work closely with Acronis as a partner.“

From Germany, Thimo Groneberg, MD, Busymouse Business Systems GmbH, said: “We’ve always been able to count on Acronis to understand our company needs. Acronis has now taken that to the next level with their new partner program. This program incentivizes a stronger partnership that leaves us safer and more protected from cybercrimes in today’s evolving threat landscape.”