Novell South Africa has announced a series of new initiatives to increase support for its high-level channel partners. As part of its 2000 accreditation package, Novell will be offering its Business Expert partners a free Preferred 200 support contract worth $32,000 (about R180 000). In addition, Novell will continue its investments in channel knowledge transfer programmes to enhance its accessibility to the market. Through these programmes, Novell will enable its channel partners to bring additional business value to its customers.
"Novell acknowledges that resellers are no longer the suppliers of software and hardware products, they have evolved into business solution providers that automate and optimise complex business processes tailored for individual clients," says Novell channel manager Martin Bawden. "We want to assure our customers that our preferred channel partners are well equipped to deliver the highest level of service since Novell supplies them with professional support back-up and intensive knowledge transfer programmes. We also plan to provide the necessary business model to support our channel partners."
He adds: "With the revised accreditation package and the extended Channel Academy training programme, Novell is addressing the needs of its channel partners. They are building successful businesses, based on selling and servicing Novell solutions, and it is our responsibility to ensure they are backed-up with extensive knowledge transfer programmes and privileged access to our professional technical support function."
"Many resellers are now reorganising themselves to take advantage of the growing services market. With the new initiatives, Novell equips its partners with the most comprehensive vendor service available in the industry. The increased support level, together with Novell`s Customer Service offerings, will help our channel partners to become leaders in the servicing market," said Steve Pestell, EMEA director Services Business Development.
As a result, Novell is supplying its Business Experts, as part of their 2000 accreditation pack, a free Preferred 200 support contract. The benefits of the Preferred 200 contract include unlimited Novell support incidents based on a 24 hours a day, 7 days a week regime, with a response time of 4 hours. The total commercial value per contract is $32,000 (R180 000). With additional investment, Novell aims to consolidate and develop further co-operation between itself and its partners to provide improved support and service throughout the channel.
Customers are demanding Novell partners to be equipped with the right knowledge to translate real live business problems into real life solutions. To meet these expectations Novell launched in May 1999 the Channel Academy, its biggest channel training initiative ever. Since then, thousands of channel sales professionals have been accredited as Certified Novell Salesperson. Novell will continue this increased investment in channel knowledge transfer programmes in 2000.
With customers looking to reduce the cost of networked Windows desktops, increase the efficiency and productivity of IT personnel, and integrate existing enterprise applications with the Internet, Novell is ensuring its channel partners can deliver these solutions.
Ellis Nemes, vice president of sales operation, Novell EMEA said "In the networked economy, the way we do business and the way we communicate is continuously evolving. As industry leaders, Novell is integrating networks, the Internet and customers. Our upgraded channel strategy is designed to equip its partners with a platform to realise their potential in this ever changing environment."
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