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Zyxel Networks has updated its Partner Programme for 2024 to drive more business for channel partners with its new generations of WiFi 7 access points, multi-gigabit switches and unified security gateways. The company will also be looking to recruit additional partners that want to develop their managed services business with the Zyxel Nebula cloud platform.
Significant changes to the channel programme include streamlined deal registration and special bid processes that will give partners an almost instant response to requests. Zyxel is also introducing a new status for partner technical personnel – the Zyxel Elite Tech Member – as part of its wider Ambassador Programme. Elite Tech Members will be required to hold three out of the four Zyxel Certified Network Engineer (ZCNE) badges available – for Switching, Wireless, Security and Nebula – to qualify. Those who do will be able to access exclusive resources and take part in online forums and events organised specifically for the partner technical community.
As part of the programme update, the Zyxel Partner Portal has been completely redesigned to provide faster access to deal registration and bids, to training and sales and marketing materials, and to all the other benefits that available to partners. In addition, Zyxel has made changes to its margin structure designed to provide additional incentives for partners that seek out and win more new business.
To support partners in driving sales, Zyxel will be running campaigns aimed at raising awareness and activity around the new product ranges it will be rolling out through the course of the year. Zyxel has already announced a high-end (the WBE660S) WiFi 7 access point and will launch an affordable, mid-range device imminently. A new family of small multi-gigabit switches (the XMG1915 series and the XMG-100 series) have also been unveiled this year, with more to come. An updated series of universal security gateway (USG) appliances will also be launched in 2024.
All of these products will come with support for Nebula – Zyxel’s cloud-based management platform, which makes it easy for partners to provide remote configuration, monitoring and management of network devices. Many partners already use Nebula as the centrepiece of their managed services business and Zyxel sees good potential here for additional partners.
Full details of the new programme have been communicated to partners and Zyxel is also planning to run two regional events that will give its partners the opportunity to learn more about the changes and the benefits of becoming a Zyxel Partner
Rachel Rothwell, senior regional director, UK and Ireland, Zyxel Networks, said: “Our partners have done a phenomenal job for us over the last two years, and the changes to the channel programme are designed to build on that strength and consolidate our position. We’re excited about the new solutions we have coming to market this year, all of which deliver enterprise-class performance at SMB prices and thus give our partners a real competitive edge. In addition to that – and even more importantly – they provide a foundation on which our partners can deliver more value to their customers and build up regular and stable income stream from managed services with our Nebula cloud platform. We have seen especially good growth with Nebula and we see even more potential for us and for our partners to grow managed services business in 2024 and beyond.
“While our channel programme has always made it easy for partners to engage with us, the new streamlined processes and terms, and the addition of the Elite Tech Member status, make it even better. We’ve listened to our partners and made the changes that they wanted to see. We’ll always do whatever we can to make it easier for them – and for Zyxel – to develop, grow and deliver an even better service to our mutual end user customers.”
