Print.IT Reseller - issue 53

PRINT IT RESELLER.UK 23 AI Michael Sotnick Pure Storage, the all-flash storage platform that helps innovators build a better world with data has launched a new program for partners. The partner program evolved in order to keep pace with the significant growth of the company who recorded a fiscal year 2017 revenue of $1.023 billion. Making its debut at the company’s Global Partner Forum during the Pure//Accelerate 2018 conference, program benefits will go into effect from August 1. Michael Sotnick, VP, Partners, Services and Business Development said: “Pure Storage has always been selective with partners and this is why we have the best partners in the industry. As such, we knew it was time to evolve with them and launch a new Partner Program, so they can continue to grow and profit with the company.” 100 per cent channel business model Pure Storage has always been committed to a 100 per cent channel business model. Testament to this commitment, it made strategic investments in the tools and resources needed to achieve a partner program that attracts, enables and retains partners. The program is designed to reward partners who build a Pure practice and lead with Pure in the market. New features include: n New program tiers: The new program includes two tiers and is The new Pure Partner Program will empower partners with new training, certifications, incentives and support to help customers achieve an intelligent data advantage Pure Storage launches new partner program designed to enable partners of any size the ability to achieve top tier status. The program includes a Preferred tier, which is the entry-level tier for all partners. The top tier is Elite; it is invite only based on partners successfully establishing a Pure practice consisting of their demonstrated sales and technical competency, business specialties and services, a budgeted marketing plan, as well as meet a minimum number of customers secured via the partner. Elite partners will receive a notification of their status in August 2018. Partners are evaluated for tiers annually. n Greater partner empowerment: A key enhancement to the program is standardised discounts and price lists available to partners, empowering them to seamlessly source, secure and close opportunities independently. Partners will also receive access to enhanced tools that enable them to provide proposals and quotes for Pure Storage based solutions. n Training: Pure will offer enhanced technical specialisation to all partners and completion of training opens up additional benefits. Pure also debuted the Pure Storage Foundation Exam and the FlashArray Architect Exam during the Global Partner Forum at Pure// Accelerate 2018. The program will roll out additional certifications throughout the year. Sotnic added: “The investment for the new Partner Program is our commitment to partners that we are going to continue to make sure they have the assets, resources and incentives to prosper with Pure Storage. Pure’s technology innovations open up new opportunities for partners to lead the way for artificial intelligence and machine learning. Our partners are transforming and future-proofing customers’ environments every day to allow them to take advantage of their data and the growth of emerging applications.” According to Steve White, IDC Program Vice President, Channels and Alliances, Pure Storage's continued technology and business innovation are an example of its commitment to providing an advantage to their partners. “These new enhancements to the Pure Partner Program are another example of this commitment and are going to provide real value and support for Pure's partners. This program is comprehensive and will incentivise partners to lead with Pure Storage,” he said. www.purestorage.com The program is designed to reward partners who build a Pure practice and lead with Pure in the market