ERP software vendor Unit4 is launching a new partner program to provide “structure and focus” to its channel. The launch will be supported by a new dedicated global partner team that is aligned by region and vertical.

Beata Wright is global head of partner ecosystems at Unit4. She says that while Unit4 has worked with strategic partners before, the firm was “lacking the structure and focus.”

Unit4’s Beata Wright

“Through this new program we aim to provide more support to our global ecosystem of partners,” she told Channel Futures.

Wright says Unit4 has been “more innovative than ever before” this past year. That’s due in part to a “transformation in terms of brand and focus.”

Only about 10% of Unit4’s business currently goes through the channel; however, Wright maintains that a strong partner strategy “and building a strong partner ecosystem are instrumental to Unit4’s future growth.”

The exec says the three-tiered program will focus on “capabilities, contributions and customer satisfaction.”

“Select partners are specialists in their respective markets and are new to the Unit4 partner ecosystem. They are committed to developing and supporting a long-term relationship with Unit4,” said Wright. “Premier partners demonstrate a high level of skill and market success and who can actively collaborate with Unit4 to deliver significant customer value through innovative solutions. Finally, elite partners are those that achieve the highest level within the Unit4 partner program and consistently demonstrate the ability to meet the highest level of success with Unit4 and customers.”

Onboarding & Support

Partners will undergo a new onboarding program which includes sales, presales, implementation and support for all Unit4 products and industries. They will get access to specialty-focused partner forums within Unit4 Community4U, and events to build knowledge and expertise. They will also get marketing support, and a certification program for partners at all levels.

In a company blog, Wright said Unit4 decided to launch the new partner program during the COVID-19 pandemic as it is “time to turn outwards to business partners.”

“We have chosen this time to launch our new partner program — not in spite of everything that’s going on in the world, but because of it.”

Unit4 has about 100 global partners. Seventy are across UK&I, Continental Europe and the Nordics.