By Charlene O'Hanlon

In an effort to move its channel partners into a solution-selling strategy, Avaya has developed new technology skill-set designations and certifications reflective of its expanded data and video solutions portfolio. The announcement was made at the Avaya Americas Partner Conference being held this week in Las Vegas.

The new and expanded training and technology designations include Video or Data authorizations, for partners offering video or data solutions; Video or Data Expert, designating a partner has shown the highest level of ability in sales and support of video or data solutions; Avaya Certified Solutions Architect for Unified Communications or Contact Center solutions, which demonstrates individual employees have achieved the highest level of training and competency in a UC or CC solution; and the Avaya Connect Video Solutions Certification, an optional certification that can be added onto UC credentials.

Jeremy Butt, vice president of Global Channels at Avaya, noted the certifications and designations are part of Avaya’s plan to move its channel program into more of a competency-based model. "Today we have a classically tiered program, and when it comes right down to it, there are only two types of programs those that are competency-based and those that are volume-based. We are at a halfway-house stage at the moment," he said. "We are going to continue pushing toward the competency side over the next few years."

The company also announced the Avaya Connect Channel Partner HelpDesk, designed to help answer questions about partner programs as well as provide tools and services. Agents will be able offer questions from channel partners in 10 languages about any of Avaya’s technology portfolio, as well as specific questions about its channel program, including on-boarding programs, training and certifications and sales authorization. The HelpDesk also can assist channel partners globally with information on Avaya’s partner applications and tools, marketing programs and channel services programs.

The training and certifications are slated to be available over the next two quarters, the company noted, while the HelpDesk is available now.