As the PartnerDirect program continues to evolve, we remain committed to the foundation of our program – seeking Partner input and keeping it simple. With both of these building blocks in mind, we recently introduced the PartnerDirect Cloud Services & Solutions Certification, enabling our Partners with the choice and flexibility to provide cloud services and solutions to customers based on Dell and their own technology.
Unlike other vendor programs that are stringing together disjointed program components, we’re emphasizing simplicity in a new, carefully thought out program. We did this by spending countless hours in conversations and preview sessions with Partners, customers and industry analysts specializing in cloud strategies to get their feedback and direction about how cloud fits in the Partner business model, how they want to invest in Dell via cloud and how to best address customer needs. In other words, Dell’s Channel Partners listened, informed and participated in the development of this new program offering.
Partners told us they participate in the cloud in many ways, so we made it easy for them to decide the right investment area for their business. Comprised of three primary pillars to provide cloud services and solutions – Cloud Builder, Cloud Provider, and Cloud Services Enabler – Partners who certify in Cloud Services & Solutions are enabled to expand their cloud capabilities and brand themselves as experts in this ever-expanding area and gain additional legitimacy and credibility with customers.
To get Partners started providing cloud services and solutions to their customers, the first of the three pillars is now available – the Cloud Builder competency. The Partner that operates as a Cloud Builder will offer the necessary services to design and develop a cloud infrastructure for their customers. Partners determine the customer’s requirements for a cloud infrastructure, design the architecture to be implemented, secure the appropriate technology, and integrate all of the hardware and software necessary to build their customer’s cloud.
Kicking off the Cloud Builder competency is just the leading edge of a cloud solutions strategy that will result in unique programs, product offerings, training curriculum, marketing program access and benefits for Partners that certify in Cloud Services & Solutions. One key benefit we’ve developed fosters a B2B (Partner-to-Partner) collaborative ecosystem where Partner networking is encouraged and supported through the Partner Portal Find a Partner tool. Sound like something you want to be involved in? We would welcome your comments and input below.