Skype Channel Partner Program Opens its Doors
Last week, we launched Skype Connect 1.0, a solution that connects Skype to IP-enabled private branch exchange (PBX) or Unified Communications (UC) systems. Earlier this year, we launched Skype Manager, a simple web-based tool that businesses can use to centrally manage and control Skype usage within their organization. Today, we are proud to introduce a new asset in our quest to help businesses that want to use Skype as a collaboration and communication tool for their employees.
Recognizing that most businesses purchase their IT and telecommunications services through value-added resellers (VARs) or systems integrators, we are officially launching the Skype Channel Partner Program. This will establish a qualified network of channel partners in the United States that can assist those companies interested in using Skype to improve their productivity and optimize their communication costs.
Through the Skype Channel Partner Program, qualified VARs and systems integrators will receive training, sales and marketing collateral, customer tracking and reporting tools, as well as support and account management from Skype to help them offer a quality service to their business customers. Once trained and certified by Skype, Skype Channel Partners will be equipped to provide their own consulting, installation, configuration, maintenance and support services to business customers who wish to use Skype’s business solutions.
These ‘trusted advisors’ are selected by Skype based on relationships with business customers, the experience and know-how to provide complementary services, such as consulting, installation, training and local support, as well as hardware and software integration and industry-specific expertise.
Already twenty VARs and system integrators have been enrolled in and trained as part of the Skype Channel Partner Program’s certification process and they have started marketing and selling their own consulting, installation and maintenance services and third-party hardware and software for use with Skype’s business solutions.
If you are a VAR or systems integrator in the U.S. and want to learn more about or apply to become a certified Skype Channel Partner, visit partner.skype.com and fill out and submit the Quick Sign up form.
