NetApp Updates, Simplifies Unified Partner Program

NetApp has updated its Unified Partner Program to complement and align with its partners’ business capabilities and models.

NetApp says it simplified and expanded the program to deliver a consistent experience. It also will help partners help their customers digitally transform their businesses — and make partners more money.

NetApp provides cloud data services.

LouAnne Reynolds is NetApp‘s director of global partner programs. She said the changes make the program easier to understand and use.

NetApp’s LouAnne Reynolds

It now includes cloud and service providers, in addition to VARs and system integrators. Partner incentives are a key part of the program.

“Partners gain recognition with expanded and new specializations (to customers, prospects, NetApp sellers), can take advantage of cloud incentives, training, enablement, increase access to sales tools and training so they can grow quicker and easier,” Reynolds said.

NetApp Unified Partner Program Goals

With the updated program, NetApp will:

• Unify contracts and agreements, streamline guides and policies, and offer fewer, more focused, deal-based incentive programs. It also will offer growth attainment rebate programs.
• Provide registered partners with access to more information, communications, enablement and training.
• Continue to invest in tools that make business planning, and incentive management and measurement simpler and more collaborative for partners.

NetApp also launched a new tech refresh incentive program that helps partners reach the company’s large number of users.

“NetApp expands its partner ecosystem and attracts more partners who have competency in cloud, strengthens existing partner technical skills with additional training on key topics, provides competitive incentives to partners, and expands selling motions with expanded programs for service providers,” Reynolds said.

“Our clients tell us that when it comes to choosing a partner to help navigate their digital transformation, differentiation and simplification drive their decision-making process,” said Deborah Bannworth, senior vice president of partner alliances, inside sales, maintenance sales and services at Sirius Computer Solutions, a NetApp partner. “[The] NetApp Unified Partner Program makes it easier for the Sirius team to deliver tangible benefits for our clients and solve their digital transformation challenges, while also expanding, accelerating and growing as experts ourselves.”

Last month, NetApp announced it is buying Spot, a privately held startup focusing on cloud infrastructure and compute management. That is NetApp’s third acquisition in as many months.