Juniper Networks updates Partner Advantage Programme

To account for “changing business models and customer demands” Juniper has created new categories within its Elite partner tier.

With the inclusion of new sub-categories including Next Gen and Rising Star, partners will be placed at the “optimal part of the programme best suited to their specific business needs and individual circumstances”, said Juniper.

In addition, Juniper has also announced the introduction of a flexible points-based rewards programme, supporting partners who continue to invest and grow within the channel community.

Launching 1 September, the new programme will help partners manage, track and close on deals more quickly, the network vendor says.

Matt Hurley, corporate VP, global channels and field marketing, said: “These new categories enrich the Elite partner tier, which is our highest, most operationally sophisticated partner level. This segmentation provides partners with the opportunity for continual growth and development, especially when it comes to working with new or emerging technologies and business models.”

The full list of new categories includes:

• Next Gen
• Rising Star
• Federal Partner (US Programme)
• Cloud Services Partner
• Volume Partner (US Programme)

How it Works

For example, a Next Gen partner could be a company focusing on software, services and XaaS. Their current revenue with Juniper may not support an Elite status, but if they’ve got a business strategy in place and they’re looking to grow their business in new areas, this partner category may be a fit for them.

Some examples include creating cloud security services on Juniper platforms, or creating DevOps solutions for private cloud users and service providers as well as self-service automation for co-located companies.

The Next Gen category supports this transition to new partner business models and recognises the partner’s strategic contribution, Juniper said.

For partners new to the programme with “focused business plans”, Juniper is creating a route to accelerate growth as part of the Rising Star initiative. These “rising stars” will be invited to join the Elite programme and will have access to business and marketing development opportunities, which are available specifically for partners at this level.

Rewards

In Q3 of this year, Juniper is also introducing a flexible points-based Rewards programme to support partners who continue to invest and grow within the Juniper channel community. In addition to an enhanced user interface for claims submissions, the new programme is integrated with the updated Deal Registration System to “ensure deal preference and pricing advantages”, helping partners manage, track and “close on deals quickly”.

@AntonySavvas