Why the Partner-Vendor Relationship Matters

Vendor relationships are important to your business. And when they’re done right, they become long-term relationships you come to rely on.

3 Min Read
Why the Partner-Vendor Relationship Matters

Vendor relationships are important to your business. And when they’re done right, they become long-term relationships you come to rely on.

The folks at AppRiver understand the importance of the channel and recently renewed the focus on relationship management to ensure that partners build profitable relationships with their customers.

The direction has resonated: The email and Web security firm recently posted that more than half of its overall revenue is now derived from the channel, and it expects to see 40 percent more growth in 2015. “Not only are we committed to equipping partners with the right tools, but we’re providing a cloud-based, comprehensive and affordable technology that protects businesses from the most sophisticated cyber threats,” said Channel Executive Justin Gilbert.

In addition to the overall channel business growth in 2014, at the close of January 2015 AppRiver also reported:

  • 21 percent increase in active partners;

  • 16 percent increase in partner customers

  • 350 percent increase in the total number of partners engaged to sell Office 365

2015 Channel Plans & Programs

“Evolving technology trends such as cloud computing, BYOD and sophisticated advanced persistent threats directed toward businesses are driving the adoption and demand of new security solutions,” said Jeff Malone, vice president of sales, AppRiver. “Not only have we designed our technology to keep businesses productive and information secure, but we’re helping resellers become trusted advisers to their clients.”

AppRiver is continuing to roll out a number of new partner perks in 2015 that will help its partners sell more efficiently.  New diversified programs are designed to fit the unique needs of partners and customers and include:

  • Partner certification: Partners can learn the ropes at AppRiver University, and earn certifications in both the sale and support of Office 365, disaster preparedness and more.  AppRiver will also introduce partners to the ways they can receive discounted pricing on certifications offered through CompTIA.

  • Lunch & learn: One-hour training sessions that are designed to increase a partner’s competitive advantage and will cover everything from sales and support to migration issues for a wide variety of products. Together with CompTIA, AppRiver will begin offering business agility training.

  • Webinars: Short, to-the-point training webcasts about AppRiver products, management interfaces, and other diverse topics that include CompTIA’s Business Management, Agility to Cloud Computing and Mobile Device Management courses.  

  • Targeted campaigns and incentives: AppRiver will be offering partners various SPIFF rewards, including cash rewards and extended free trials.

AppRiver also will continue to offer its award-winning Phenomenal Care, allowing partners to focus more on creating healthy profit margins.

“AppRiver continually proves that it understands what our customers need in today’s changing IT environment,” said Eric Montague, president, Executech. “In 2014, the combination of AppRiver’s unique partner programs and cutting-edge technology helped us grow our business. We’re excited to leverage their newest programs launching in 2015, and look forward to further building our relationship with AppRiver in 2015 and beyond.”

Guest blogs such as this one are published monthly and are part of Talkin’ Cloud’s annual platinum sponsorship.

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