During Extreme Networks’ North America Partner Conference, VP of Global Channels Theresa Caragol discussed the company’s initiatives as it works to create a partner-first ecosystem. Here’s what she had to say in a live blog (again, excuse abbreviated and incomplete sentences):

Partner First Organization: We are declaring a real commitment to partners and the channel and I hope you feel that throughout the entire organization. You have to have a consistent experience. We are launching public rules of engagement and partner of record for the services side. No other partner can come in and undercut you. Plus a comp-positive plan – sales teams are compensated 100 percent for working with partners.

Strategic Solutions: We have a comprehensive product line; data center, Purview and wireless are new areas of opportunity for partners.

Simple Partner Program: we reward growth. We are incenting partners to grow with us. All presales training is free. We have virtual training so you can consume it however best you can.

Increased Profitability: how can you make money and where can you make money with us? New rewards programs – growth rebate; deal registration; Extreme rewards: current wireless spiff and new deal registration spiff Aug. 1. Also, increased services revenue – we want you to do PartnerWorks if you can do Tier 1 service. We want you to do ExtremeWorks for your customers.

World-Class Service and Support: We are very committed to backing you. We are 100 percent insourced with an award-winning team to support you. And our Net Promoter Score is one of the highest in the industry.

New Demand Center: sales generation programs; campaigns; concierge service to help with marketing initiatives are to help you grow your business, all paid for by Extreme Development Funds; web content syndication. We have 120 campaigns right now going on with partners across the country.

Vertical Focus: One of the hallmarks of Enterasys was its focus on verticals. We want to continue that with a focus on K-12 education; health care; higher education; government; stadiums; manufacturing – we want to help you grow your business through verticals.

New Sales and Technical Enablement: New training and certification; technical bootcamps and training roadshows; and new is Extreme sales whiteboard selling.

Engaged Communications: I know PartnerNet was not the best experience, but we are working to improve that as well as more meaningful communication across the board. We are investing in resources including the new Extreme Mobile Communications app.

Field Engagement Priority: Field sales and SE teaming; iCAM and Inside Sales support; business and marketing planning; CAM and partner team

Fun!: We think it’s important to work with a company you like, and we value you immensely.