NEWS
8x8 launches new tiered partner programme that rewards direct resellers for customer growth
8x8, a leading global business communications platform provider, has introduced a new partner programme for its direct resell channel that rewards customer retention and expansion, in addition to new business activity.
The shift reflects a fundamental change in how 8x8 measures partner success, looking at new business growth as well as retention and opportunities with existing customers.
Under the new four-tier structure – Authorised, Silver, Gold and Platinum – direct resellers can earn financial rewards according to their tier level and gain full access to the 8x8 supporting teams. Monthly performance dashboards provide real-time visibility into progress against these metrics.
With the new programme, 8x8 ensures support for partners through the full customer journey – landing new business, expanding through multi-product adoption and retaining their existing customer base.
8x8 has appointed Maryam House to the newly created role of global director of strategic programmes. She has spent the past year as 8x8’ s senior partner success manager, working directly with resellers.
“ Most partner programmes reward activity – but this one rewards outcomes,” said Emily Masterton, Global Head of Channel at 8x8.“ As our business – and the wider industry – have evolved, it’ s clear that deep customer relationships drive true value, alongside winning new business. This programme reflects that shift, with real investment behind it: dedicated channel account managers, outcome-based enablement, comarketing support, proactive feedback loops through our Centre of Excellence.”
Sophos partners with OpenAI to bring frontier AI security to MSPs
Sophos has announced a partnership with
OpenAI to bring OpenAI frontier models to MSPs through Sophos Fusion. The partnership will focus on helping partners deliver AI security through a connected defence system and develop recurring security services.
Sophos Fusion is built on a single, open architecture where every control point operates as one, whether native to Sophos or a thirdparty integration. The partnership will extend that open model, bringing OpenAI frontier models into a cyberdefence system connecting endpoint, network, email, cloud, identity and security operations.
Through Sophos AI Defence, Sophos gives organisations visibility into how AI and shadow AI is used across their environment, enforces policy on that usage and helps govern how sensitive data is used across AI models and tools.
The partnership builds on an established relationship between Sophos and OpenAI through the OpenAI Daybreak Cyber Partner Programme, which focuses on developing governed solutions for defenders and helping security teams identify, validate and remediate threats.
John Peterson, Chief Technology Officer, Sophos, said:“ Sophos Fusion will give OpenAI models a defence system to work inside: connected control points, shared context and human accountability.
“ Our channel gives them reach through a global network of more than 25,000 partners, including over 7,000 MSPs. For those partners, it opens a new class of AI security services to build a business on. That is how frontier AI reaches the organisations that need it most.”
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