PCs and data centre the focus in Lenovo global partner programme

#Lenovo is rolling out a global partner programme from next month with the emphasis on making it simple and rewarding Lenovo has taken several steps to make its partner programme easier for partners to deal with as it gets ready to roll out a fresh global scheme. The focus of the latest programme, which goes live from the start of next month, is specifically designed to support the PC and data centre businesses, with resellers able to qualify in those areas for tiered levels. The vendor has also decided to remove targets, clip levels and made the incentives less complex to make life better for partners. The global partner programme, which has just a single universal tiered structure, has been designed with input from partners and as well as making life easier is meant to increase the rewards on offer. "Our industry is more dynamic than ever. Customer requirements have become more complex, with the desire for a more agile workplace and easy scalability. The importance of a powerful business partner and vendor relationship is crucial in providing compelling end-to-end solutions and exceeding customers’ expectations”, said Marco Andresen, EMEA chief operating officer and vice president channel at Lenovo. “Lenovo’s commitment to create opportunities and work with, rather than competing with its partners has been the foundation of our joint success. Our enhanced channel program will allow partners to fuel growth while supporting the specialist needs of the PC and Data Center markets," he added. The Lenovo Partner Engage Programme comes with the usual incentives of rebates, development funds and customised resources and a channel portal that will provide more support. As well as appealing to existing partners the vendor is offering easy sing-up for those migrating from other programmes, with simplified qualification criteria. Despite the increasing pressures on the PC and server markets Lenovo has consistently followed an approach of aiming for leadership in both spaces. The vendor made it clear last November on the announcement of its second quarter numbers that data centre was a priority and it would grow that business via partners. "Lenovo has a focused execution plan for this business: we are strengthening our field capabilities and channel engagement, investing in training and overhauling our sales structure to better engage with our customers," the firm stated at the time.
http://www.computerweekly.com/microscope/news/450420829/PCs-and-data-centre-the-focus-in-Lenovo-global-partner-programme