8x8 Launches Next Generation Channel Program, Signs Telarus
To boost the adoption of cloud communications in enterprises, Unified Communications as a Service (UCaaS) provider 8x8 has recently announced the expansion of its international channel program, Channel 2.0.
8x8 wanted its resellers, affiliates, and agents to enjoy growth and provide maximum value to their customers by capitalizing on the shift from product-centric and on-premises solutions to cloud-based models. Hence, the launch of the Channel 2.0 program. 8x8 also announced new partnerships along with enhanced sales and technical training, a new online portal, and expanded channel offerings, and more, as part of Channel 2.0.
Key Components of Channel 2.0
8x8’s Channel 2.0 program includes the following areas that are designed to give partners more automation and self-service, and “make a more frictionless experience in working with 8x8," said Carlos Roman, 8x8’s head of global partner marketing.
8x8 PartnerConnect Portal
Available in North America, Canada, and Australia, and in the UK (by the end of 2016), the new 8x8 PartnerConnect Portal is an easy-to-use self-service portal that lets partners access information and resources quickly as well as automate tasks and processes. The portal also comes with functionalities that allow partners to register deals and opportunities, participate in product and sales training online, run marketing campaigns, and more. On top of these, the PartnerConnect Portal keeps partners up-to-date with the latest 8x8 products and other company updates.
Sales and Technical Training and Certification
Driven to help partners effectively sell cloud services and grow their business, 8x8 now offers new partner sales and enablement training as well as deployment and certification to its channel partners. The training is composed of instructor-led and self-paced classes (for Virtual Office and Virtual Contact Center) and will be available starting this month. Furthermore, 8x8 Academy will also be offering post-sales Deployment and Technical Support certification programs to partners starting in January 2017.
Marketing and Demand Generation Support
Channel partners can give their sales and marketing efforts a boost with the help of 8x8 and its PartnerConnect portal. Using the portal, they can create, launch, and manage digital co-marketing campaigns. 8x8 can also work with partners to devise marketing strategies and plans to improve sales.
Sales Enablement Tools
Partners, who are still making the transition from selling traditional on-premise solutions to cloud-based models, can trust in 8x8 to provide them with the right tools and support to make the switch seamlessly. The 8x8 Channel 2.0 program offers sales enablement tools to help partners become effective sellers. These include co-branded marketing materials, online customer ROI tools, battle cards, case studies, videos, and more. 8x8 also has interactive Playbooks designed to offer real-time guidance to partners' sales teams.
To learn more about the 8x8 Channel 2.0 program or to become an 8x8 partner, visit their website.
Channel Partners Critical to 8x8's Growth
8x8 understands that its partnerships with resellers, wholesalers, affiliates, and agents are one of the keys to the company’s growth. Its channel partners have recently brought international customers on board, including GameStop Corporation and OFX. And so the company continues to develop strategies to strengthen and grow these partnerships. The company already has Avant, Insight, Intelisys, CDW, CSG, and Simply as their global partners. 8x8’s head of global partner marketing Carlos Roman said, “We’ve really doubled down in terms of commitment over to the channel, and it’s been very exciting to see the acceleration of the growth.”
Now the list has even grown further with the addition of its new partnerships with LANtelligence and PERRY proTECH in North America, Great Outcomes in New Zealand, and its biggest partner yet, Telarus. Telarus is a Master Agent and a national distributor of voice, data and cloud infrastructure services.
Adam Edwards, cofounder and CEO at Telarus, has this to say about its new partnership with 8x8:
"Together with 8x8, we will address the needs of those businesses who have relied on selling on-premises communications systems by providing more secure, reliable and cloud-based solutions. 8x8's extensive influence and reach in the Enterprise Communications as a Service market will go a long way in helping our partners navigate their business to the cloud."
Earlier this month, 8x8, in partnership with the Contact Center & Customer Care Industry Professional Network (CCNG), released the results of its study that highlighted the trend of contact centers migrating to the cloud.