NetApp Updates Partner Program with Promise of Higher Margins

NetApp has announced new updates to its Unified Partner Program as part of an effort to further enable digital transformation for customers, accelerate partner profitability, and provide partners with a predictable business environment.

Under the plan, the Sunnyvale, California-based company will unify contracts and agreements; streamline guides and policies; offer fewer, more focused, deal-based incentive programs; and offer growth attainment rebate programs.

“Customers need partners who are subject matter experts and can help them successfully design and implement their digital transformation projects,” said Chris Lamborn, head of Global Partner GTM & Programs at NetApp. “That’s why in the coming fiscal year, we will recognize partners based on their demonstrated ability to sell, implement, and support NetApp based solutions in areas that accelerate a successful digital transformation journey in a hybrid multicloud world.”

NetApp also plans to provide Registered Partners with access to more information, communications, enablement, and training. The updates will include bringing Cloud First Partners into the NetApp Unified Partner Program and expanding training programs for cloud partners and service providers. NetApp also intends to expand and update its specializations with new content and benefits, including the addition of SAP and XaaS (“anything as a service”).

The program includes a bigger payout in its New Account Incentive Program and will also allow rebates to be paid more quickly.

Channel Impact^®
The updated program is designed to help partners build a NetApp focused services practice, to expand margin opportunity, and to offer the best return on their partnership. In so doing, simplicity is often a key criterion.