Juniper Networks has announced a new Elite Plus partner level as part of an overhaul of the Juniper Partner Advantage Program (JPA).

Juniper will introduce the new top-tier level of the partner program in January. It offers “superior support, investment and rewards, along with dedicated business development and demand generation resources.”

The company says the new look partner program builds on its acquisitions of Mist Technologies, 128 Technology, Apstra and Netrounds. These, say the vendor, contributed to record growth across all partner segments.

Other updates include expanded Champions communities for technical and sales roles, virtual workspaces for Juniper and partner sales collaboration, and increased seller rewards.

Gordon Mackintosh, VP of global channel & virtual sales at Juniper Networks, describes the vendor as “a partner-centric company.”

Juniper Networks’ Gordon Mackintosh

“The investments we’ve made in the program for 2022 will accelerate our strong partnerships and continue us all on the path of hyper-growth,” he said. “We believe our acquisition strategy and innovations have created the most compelling portfolio of networking solutions available today. By bringing that spirit of innovation into the partner program, with a new elite tier and enhanced community, we plan to see rapid growth and expansion next year and beyond.”

Changes Partners Can Expect

An expanded Champions program adds role-based journeys for both technical and sales professionals. Partners will gain access to continuous learning, virtual selling tools, a Communities forum and collaborative workspaces. They will also get digital badges and rewards to recognize success, as well as access to demo platforms and events.

New virtual sales pods create a shared workspace for partners and Juniper experts to communicate in real-time on account plans, ongoing sales efforts and more. This, says Juniper, leads to faster sales cycles and enhanced conversion rates.

In support of Communities and collaborative sales efforts, the Learning Academy will drive partner education with new content and webinars.

Juniper also says it will reward partners for partner-led and new opportunity deal registration, while providing boosters on software and for Elite Plus partners.

The 2022 program goes into effect Jan. 1.