Microsoft and SAP are both working to give partner program members new certifications and specializations.

More and more partners are seeing vendors as a resource for growing their expertise. To that end, Microsoft added two new specializations, and SAP endeavored to increase partner certifications.

The IT side of the channel remains busy with news, and our team has been covering the space closely at Channel Futures. A security analytics company launched a partner program for the first time. A backup provider made life easier for its smaller partners and increased financial incentives.

We also covered news from the telco/voice side of the channel. One of the major carriers has been honing its program to reflect a more collaborative approach. In addition, Sangoma and Star2Star are taking a patient approach to consolidating their partner programs.

Scroll through the 12 images below to see the latest channel program changes.

Did you miss the previous gallery? Check out our January edition.