WatchGuard® Technologies, a leader in integrated security platforms, today announced it was awarded a 5-Star rating in the CRN 2014 Partner Program Guide. The annual directory is the definitive listing of technology vendors that service solution providers or that provides products through the IT channel. The 5-Star Partner Program rating recognizes an elite subset of companies that offer solution providers the best partnering elements in their channel programs.
WatchGuard’s channel program has hundreds of partners around that world. Under the leadership of Alex Thurber, one of CRN’s 50 Most Influential Channel Chiefs, the company has launched several key initiatives designed to accelerate the program and provide greater rewards for partners. This includes a new enhanced deal-registration program that offers an additional 20 points of margin to registered partners.
To determine the 2014 5-Star recipients, The Channel Company’s research team assessed each vendor’s application based on investments in program offerings, partner profitability, partner training, education and support, marketing programs and resources, sales support and communication.
“Solution providers have a lot of choices when it comes to selecting vendor partners. Identifying the right vendor, with the right technologies, and the right approach can make all the difference,” said Robert Faletra, CEO, The Channel Company. “Our annual Partner Program Guide and 5-Star rating recognizes the very best channel programs available in the market today to help solution providers determine which vendor delivers the best partner elements for their individual business goals.”
“As a company, we invest heavily in our channel programs and partner. This 5-Star rating is a valuable guide post that helps reassure our team that we’re moving in the right direction with our resources and promotions,” said Alex Thurber, Vice President of Sales at WatchGuard Technologies. “As the company continues to bring innovative new features and solutions to market, our team will work to support and launch compelling new channel programs.”
The 2014 Partner Program Guide will be featured on CRN.com and the 5-Star Partners listing will be highlighted in the April issue of CRN.
