By Doug Allen

Unified communications (UC) and VoIP software stalwart Digium has announced the expansion of its channel partner program with new training and certification courses for its Switchvox UC and/or Asterisk telephony solutions. The Digium Channel Certification program allows its partners to grow their business phone systems expertise in pursuit of a wider customer base for the companys unified communications and customer VoIP products.

Digiums Channel Certification program allows our partners to efficiently and cost-effectively become experts on Digium solutions, said Steve Harvey, Digiums vice president of Worldwide Sales. Their expertise can be showcased to their potential customers, which adds credibility and profitability to the sale. Its been well-validated that channel partners who achieve certification generate significantly more revenue and profit than those who have not invested in certification.

Under the new program, Select and Registered Channel Partners are eligible for Certified Switchvox Partner status upon completion of the Switchvox online training. The certification curriculum brings partners up to speed on Switchvoxs line of SMB solutions, covering sales, marketing, configuration and tech support for the unified communications platform.

Similarly, partners that want to be bumped up to Certified Asterisk Integration Partner status must execute a Digium Select of Registered Channel Partner Agreement, in addition to completing the Certified Asterisk Professional exam and online Digium product training course. The training covers solution design, implementation and support for all Digium telephony solutions based on the open-source Asterisk software. Those certified will also be listed on Digiums AsteriskExchange, the companys site for connecting users with Asterisk-based products and systems integrators who can handle design and implementation chores.

Digiums Certification program gave our sales team a good understanding of Unified Communications by outlining Switchvoxs unique capabilities and the best way to sell Switchvox, said David Wise, CEO of DOW Networks, a Digium Select partner. It demonstrates why Digium is a leader and help us understand the whole dimension of the Digium product line. This certification adds credibility to our sales team and better prepares us to sell Digium solutions.