WALID ISSA, SENIOR MANAGER, SOLUTIONS ENGINEERING, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA, NETAPP
Q & A
EDITOR’ S
For channel partners, maximising vendor programmes means leveraging structured support, ongoing training, and clear incentive models.
that help partners scale, add new services, and strengthen their market position.
With cloud and service-led models becoming the norm, partners must align with programmes that offer automation, tiered incentives, and learning paths. Specialisation is also key. Partners who develop unique competencies and validated services gain a competitive edge. Distributors play a crucial role in this ecosystem, helping partners scale operations with enhanced support and training.
For channel partners, maximising vendor programmes means leveraging structured support, ongoing training, and clear incentive models. Programmes that reduce complexity, provide access to advanced tools, and encourage collaboration will help
opportunities. NetApp is committed to this, equipping its partners with the tools, training, and incentives needed to grow, stand out, and deliver transformative solutions to customers.
A good example is NetApp’ s Partner Sphere Programme which embodies this evolution. Designed with a cloudfirst, service-led approach, it simplifies engagement through automation and structured growth paths, empowering partners to succeed in hybrid multicloud environments. With progressive tiers and performance-based incentives, partners can drive revenue while delivering greater value to customers.
Education and skills development remain central to a partner’ s long-term success.
WALID ISSA, SENIOR MANAGER, SOLUTIONS ENGINEERING, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA, NETAPP
As businesses embrace digital-first strategies, channel partners have an opportunity to capitalise on vendor programmes that offer advanced technology, structured growth paths, and strong support. The most effective programmes simplify engagement, enable continuous learning, and drive differentiation – factors partners sharpen their competitive edge and expand into emerging areas like AI, SaaS, and hybrid cloud.
Success comes from clarity, strong support structures, and the ability to scale. In the digital-first world, vendor programmes must evolve to help partners navigate market transitions and seize new
NetApp Learning Services provides flexible training, skill-based certifications, and automated learning paths that prepare partners for specialised competencies. This not only enhances expertise but also boosts credibility among customers looking for trusted technology providers.
Distributors also benefit from NetApp’ s Global Distribution Partner Programme, which streamlines membership requirements and prioritises training. Performance-based incentives ensure financial rewards align with invoiced bookings, while Partner Intelligence tools help distributors and their partners track progress and refine strategies. •
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