Sun Microsystems announced that in fiscal year 2004, investments in the iForce Partner Program resulted in a year-over-year revenue percentage increase generated through its U.S. partner and reseller channels.
This amounts to over 50 percent of Sun’s U.S. revenue and directly reflects market interest in Sun’s new product and services lineup, including its recent introduction of the Solaris 10 Operating System, and commitment to expanding and strengthening its partner programs. In addition, over calendar year 2004, Sun’s iForce program saw growth with new partners such as Information Builders, Structured, Atempo and Back Bay Technologies and expanded many of its existing iForce relationships. Sun Partner Connect, a program targeted at Independent Software Vendors (ISV’s), similarly increased the number of pre-qualified participants.
“The success we have shared with our partners this year recognizes Sun’s commitment to delivering customer value through breakthrough network computing solutions that address critical business needs,” said Greg Stroud, vice president, iForce Partner Sales at Sun Microsystems. “Sun’s iForce priorities this year were to simplify the engagement process, help partners increase their margins, and recognize partner investments in Sun’s business. Delivering on these priorities enabled our partners to create and deliver innovative solutions based on Sun technology.”
Sun’s iForce Program, which now has over 700 members, benefited from its key program investments in 2004. Highlights include the Putting Partners First (PPF) Framework, a comprehensive set of programs developed to assist partners with deal protection and healthy margin maintenance. Sun also opened an iForce Solutions Center for Government in Washington, D.C., a real-world environment that government and commercial customers can leverage to more quickly, securely and reliably define and solve integration challenges and promote interoperability across multi-vendor solutions.
“The strength of Sun’s product portfolio, which includes a refreshed server line-up and the new Solaris 10, and its commitment to the success of its partners are to be applauded,” said Rich Severa, president, MOCA. “Sun is committed to providing programs, services and resources needed to ensure their partners remain competitive and profitable — and we are seeing the results.”
During 2004, Sun’s Putting Partners First framework uncovered over 200 new customer accounts through the Target Account Rebate Program, and provided over 500 Teaming Agreements.
“Sun’s Putting Partners First program has re-invigorated their channel and provided profit margins for their reseller community that equal or exceed the competition,” said Frances Draper, vice president, Sun Business Group, Access Distribution. “With the new products and services, Sun offers a complete and competitive product line for the channel to sell. We expect a very strong 2005 with Sun.”
Murdok | Breaking eBusiness News
Your source for investigative ebusiness reporting and breaking news.
