AWS, 8×8 and a host of IT/telecom vendors are diversifying their partner bases.

We witnessed a trend of companies offering an olive branch to new partner models last month. AWS reports that more hardware manufacturers and legacy system integrators are joining its born-in-the-cloud partners. 8×8 welcomed VARs into its new partner program. And an IoT security company opened its gates to distributors, consultants and many other partner types.

We also saw geographical expansion in December, as Vonage moved its channel into Europe, and the Dutch company Betty Blocks formalized partner operations in the U.S.

Other news includes HP launching new financing options for partners that want to mature their business models, as well as a master agent agreement with a supplier.

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Missed last month’s gallery? Find the November edition here.