Schneider Electric on Tuesday formally launched its Edge Software & Digital Services Program to help partners capitalize on the growth of edge computing. The program includes benefits, support tools and certifications to enable partners to build a managed power services practice.

Schneider says it is helping partners to establish recurring revenue streams by offering remote monitoring and management of their customers’ physical infrastructure. They do this via Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure IT software and digital services.

Gartner estimates that by 2025, 75% of enterprise-generated data will be created and processed outside a traditional, centralized data center or cloud. However, because the edge infrastructure is geographically distributed, often with no on-site IT, it invariably requires remote monitoring and management. This paves the way for opportunities in selling managed power services. Yet, today, just 27% of IT providers offer managed power services. Schneider says a practice could comprise power, cooling, environmental and physical security assets.

David Terry is VP, IT channels, Schneider Electric Europe. He said the program “simplifies and speeds up” the time partners need to establish their managed power service practice.

The company first announced the program in March, but offered more detail Tuesday at its European IT Partner Summit.

1.5X Additional Revenue

The new program includes life cycle rebates to offset startup costs, an operational e-guide, certification paths and access to Schneider’s portfolio. Members will have access to design tools. They also get Schneider’s Exchange platform that connects industry experts and technology partners.

The vendor’s own survey data indicate the addition of managed power services adds 1.5-times additional revenue over the life cycle of the asset. Moreover, partners can provide proactive maintenance and identify hardware refreshes to help reduce their customers’ operational expenses.

Schneider Electric’s Rob McKernan

Rob McKernan is SVP, ITD Europe and global IT channels at Schneider Electric. He spoke to partners at the company’s European IT Partner Summit.

“The exponential growth in edge computing is creating the need for remote monitoring and management,” said McKernan. “We’re already seeing the remote monitoring and management take off. We’re seeing the hardware opportunity take off and we’re seeing many of you already participating in this opportunity.”

The program is part of the mySchneider IT Solutions Partner Program, which partners formerly knew as the APC Channel Partner Program.