The world’s largest technology manufacturers and service providers are trying to make their channel programs more attractive to the partner community.

More and more publicly traded are investing less in their direct sales force and turning to the force multiplier that is the channel. Consider IBM which is openly referring to channel partners as an extension of its sales team. But many vendors are realizing they must do more to make those partners feel truly supported and incentivized to sell their products and services.

In other cases, partners complain that they now have to do more to stay relevant with their vendor partners. One prominent IT company launched a new set of requirements that dramatically shifted the way certain partners do business.

A variety of channel program updates took place last month in the worlds of IT, telecommunications and everything in between. Some vendors are simplifying their programs. Others are adding new tiers and partner types. Some have added financial incentives. Others have added training and certifications. Channel Futures has summarized many of those updates in the slides show above.

Check out the ‘ list of 17 impactful channel program stories from the past month.

Also check out the previous edition if you missed it.