SAP enhances growing partner program 21 August, 2009 By Liam Lahey

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Launched in May 2005, the PartnerEdge program is a business framework that provides business-enabling tools, resources and program benefits to help ensure a productive partnership and consistent service quality for a broad array of SAP partner types. The program is now also being extended to SAP BusinessObjects solution resellers that are authorized to resell software from the SAP BusinessObjects portfolio.

"SAP PartnerEdge is the umbrella framework for the partner programs offered by SAP," explained Ira Simon, vice president, SME Partner Communications & Marketing, SAP. "Under the program there are specific program tracks that are specifically designed to provide the services, benefits, etc., ideal for specific partner types and relationships. The shared framework makes it effective and efficient to manage and shares many of the key program elements, benefits, resources, across the partner types as applicable."

Among the benefits, the program provides its standard member organizations with access to the partner services advisor (PSA) offering, a global service delivered through four delivery centers across the world, in 11 languages to more than 2,700 partners 24 hours a day, five days a week. PSAs are dedicated resources that provide a single point of contact to help partners in their daily business. By supporting the introduction of new initiatives and providing updates on products and technology, PSAs help partners to identify opportunities to expand their business inside the SAP PartnerEdge program.

Another initiative offered within the program is partner-led demand generation support, which helps partners globally generate business through comprehensive marketing and demand generation services. The initiative includes a comprehensive set of benefits, including pre-packaged campaigns, online marketing training, planning tools and robust online services such as the "Virtual Agency," a free self-service online campaign execution platform that allows partners to plan, build and execute campaigns. In the second half of 2009, SAP said it will roll out additional partner-led demand generation benefits to all channel, service and software partners with an expectation of more than 100 campaigns activated in 2009.

"The program is an evolution so transition was not difficult," Simon said. "Partners now enjoy a rich set of program benefits including 24x7 access to our partner service delivery team."

SAP uses Web 2.0 capabilities to enable partners to access the information they need right from their offices. Providing access to over 500 e-classes, including sessions recorded at previous events, SAP PartnerEdge provides members valuable training sessions, led by SAP experts, that review best practices and product roadmaps. Moreover, the SAP partner portals have recently been expanded to provide information and services that focus on the SAP BusinessObjects portfolio. The SAP community network uses Web 2.0 to provide an active and vibrant community for customers, partners, employees and other thought leaders from around the world to share knowledge and experience on numerous SAP-related topics.

Recruiting and hiring skilled workers with SAP expertise is an ongoing challenge for partners. To address this need, SAP PartnerEdge program members with a reseller status have a new resource offered by SAP and LinkedIn. The companies have joined forces to provide access to LinkedIn's recruiting functionality at a reduced price, giving partners access to more than 140,000 SAP professionals on LinkedIn. Participating program partners are eligible to post up to three job postings at no additional cost until December 31, 2009.

In order to provide new opportunities for co-innovation across the SAP ecosystem, the former Business Objects Technology and system integrator partner programs have been integrated with the SAP PartnerEdge software solution and service partner programs, giving its members full access to the large SAP community and resources.

"As an SAP software solution partner in the SAP PartnerEdge program, we have realized many benefits, such as the certification of our solution for integration with the SAP BusinessObjects portfolio, in addition to it being featured on SAP EcoHub," said Christopher Doolittle, vice president, marketing, Teleran Technologies Inc., in a statement. "The SAP team made it easy for Teleran to become part of the SAP ecosystem, and ensured that we are utilizing all the great resources this collaboration offers."

SAP is also integrating previous SAP BusinessObjects solution resellers into the SAP PartnerEdge program, further delivering benefits to its diverse partner communities. This new program track is currently open for partners, with the exception of the EMEA region, which will be available on September 1, 2009, officials said.