IT vendors equip their partners with the products, resources, and support to drive business growth and service delivery. With countless partner programs available, it’s essential to choose those that align with your business model and strategic objectives. The eight programs noted below are our top suggestions to MSPs and other channel partners based on their exceptional support, incentives, market differentiation, and strength in offering high-caliber solutions to accelerate your growth.
| Vendor | Product | Financial Benefits | Partner Support & Training | Market Differentiation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Acronis | Cyber Protect Cloud (Backup and security) | Rebates, referral incentives, marketing development funds | Training, co-branded collateral, and partner portal | Integrated cyber protection and backup in a single platform |
| Cisco | Meraki (Networking) | Contact the company for details | Extensive certification and training, partner portal, and marketing development funds | Well-established leader of secure networking solutions |
| Dell Technologies | PowerEdge Servers (Hardware) | Rebates, co-marketing funds, loyalty rewards | Training, partner portal, demand generation support, and more | High-performance server solutions with one of the largest partner programs in the industry |
| HPE | GreenLake (Hybrid Cloud) | Flexible pricing models that scale with usage. | Robust training and technical support, extensive certifications, marketing support, and customer support tools | Hybrid-cloud infrastructure with data control and consumption flexibility |
| Malwarebytes | ThreatDown (Endpoint Protection) | Generous margins, SPIFFs, and quarterly promotions | Ongoing technical and marketing campaign support and partner portal | Strong reputation in end-point malware protection with threat detection |
| Nerdio | Manager for Enterprise (for Azure) | Channel margins, deal registrations, and marketing support vary based on partnership level | Deal registration protection and quarterly business planning structured for mutual growth | Specialization in Azure Virtual Desktop environments and top choice for cloud desktop services |
| Veeam | Backup & Replication (Agent Manager for Windows) | Contact the company to learn about deals, rebates, and discounts | Detailed training resources, technical support, and sales enablement materials | Industry leader in backup and recovery for cloud environments |
| Wasabi | Hot Cloud Storage (Cloud-Based Storage) | Contact the company to learn about deals, rebates, and financial incentives | Solid technical support and zero egress fees | Cost-effective, scalable storage without hidden fees |
Acronis Cyber Protect
Acronis Cyber Protect Cloud is a unified platform that combines backup, anti-malware, and endpoint protection in a single solution, reducing complexity and overhead with its all-in-one approach. Acronis’s AI-driven malware protection and vulnerability assessments provide proactive protection from cyber threats. Its fully integrated approach to cyber protection differentiates it from other vendors.
Acronis’ partner program offers the following financial benefits and opportunities:
Financial benefits
- Rebates: Eligible partners enjoy quarterly rebates.
- Referrals: Earn monetary rewards for successful referrals.
- Joint Marketing Development Funds: Eligible partners can receive proposal-based joint marketing development funds for selected activities.
Additional Opportunities
- Comprehensive Partner Training: Extensive programs and certifications help partners advance their expertise in cybersecurity delivery.
- Marketing Collateral: Access to co-branded marketing materials and campaign support partner outreach efforts.
- Partner Portal: A centralized hub simplifies managing partner activities and accessing exclusive resources.
Why we love Acronis Cyber Protect
Acronis Cyber Protect simplifies data protection and cybersecurity for MSPs and integrators with its unified approach that reduces management complexity. Its AI-driven defenses afford strong protection against emerging threats, and its integration of backup and security in one platform is a major advantage over solutions that require separate systems for cloud backup and security.
Cisco Meraki
Cisco Meraki is a cloud-managed IT solution that simplifies network management across wireless, security, SD-WAN, and switching environments. The platform is designed to reduce complexity and provide the ability to access multiple client networks from a single dashboard. Meraki stands out with its intuitive interface, security focus, AI-driven network optimization architecture, and ability to scale from small businesses to large enterprises.
Cisco’s partner program offers the following financial benefits and opportunities:
Financial benefits
Contact the company to learn of specific incentives, rebates, and volume discounts for becoming a Cisco Meraki partner.
Additional opportunities
- Certification Programs: Extensive training and certifications are available to deepen expertise in Meraki solutions.
- Marketing Development Funds (MDF): Access to funds that can be used for marketing initiatives, helping to grow the business.
- Partner Portal: The comprehensive partner portal offers sales tools, product information, customer insights, and more.
Why we Love Cisco Meraki
Cisco Meraki’s simplicity and powerful features allow partners to manage complex networks efficiently. Its cloud-first approach provides unmatched convenience and scalability compared to more hardware-intensive solutions, and Cisco’s continuous innovation and strong partner support make it our recommended network management choice for MSPs.
Dell PowerEdge Servers
Dell PowerEdge Servers are the cornerstone of Dell’s foundation to help businesses drive faster business transformation, deliver greater insights with Generative AI, and accelerate AI/ML/DL operations. Their customization options enable partners to tailor configurations to specific client needs, setting them apart from competitive products. The company also has one of the largest partner ecosystems in the IT industry.
Dell’s partner program offers the following financial benefits and opportunities:
Financial benefits
- Competitive Rebates: Partners earn rebates on product sales.
- Co-Op Marketing Funds: Funds are provided for joint marketing efforts to support brand and product promotions.
- Loyalty Rewards: Partners can earn rewards for consistent sales performance and customer satisfaction.
Additional opportunities
- Partner Portal: Access a comprehensive partner portal with resources for deal tracking, lead management, and marketing support.
- Technical Training: In-depth training programs and certifications help partners sell and support PowerEdge servers.
- Collaborative Engagement: Partners have access to tools and resources, including sales tools, benefits tracking, and demand generation programs, to build sales pipelines and accelerate time to market.
Why we love Dell PowerEdge Servers
Dell PowerEdge excels in versatility and management tools that simplify server operations. Its hardware-centric approach offers deep control over on-premises infrastructure, making it ideal for clients with high-performance needs. Strong support tools and configuration flexibility enhance its appeal to partners.
HPE GreenLake
HPE GreenLake is a hybrid cloud platform for on-premises infrastructure with the flexibility of cloud services. Its consumption-based pricing allows partners to pay only for the resources they use, reducing upfront costs. The platform integrates easily with existing IT environments, making it a strong choice for managing hybrid infrastructures with dynamic scalability that sets it apart from traditional fixed-capacity solutions. HPE’s recent acquisition of Morpheus Data will bring new capabilities to the channel as well.
HPE’s partner program offers the following financial benefits and opportunities:
Financial benefits
- Compelling Rewards: Strong incentives are available for partners who help customers transition to an as-a-service model.
- Flexible Pricing Models: Diverse pricing options enable scaling of costs based on a consumption-based pricing model.
Additional opportunities
- Robust Training Programs: Extensive training and support include certifications in hybrid cloud solutions.
- Co-Branded Marketing Resources: Partners can use HPE’s marketing materials to enhance brand visibility and customer engagement.
- Customer Success Programs: Tools and resources are available to ensure customer satisfaction and long-term retention.
Why we love HPE GreenLake
HPE GreenLake’s consumption-based pricing offers a cloud-like experience with on-premises infrastructure. Its flexibility and cost efficiency, particularly for hybrid environments, make it an attractive option for MSPs. GreenLake’s ability to scale with usage helps minimize financial risk while delivering scalable solutions.
Malwarebytes ThreatDown
Malwarebytes ThreatDown offers layered defenses against malware and ransomware, focusing on ease of use and effective threat management. As a single, easy-to-use agent, it integrates multiple layers of protection to cover all stages of an attack. ThreatDown’s advanced cybersecurity platform is designed to detect and neutralize various digital threats, including malware, ransomware, viruses, and other attacks.
Malwarebytes’ partner program offers the following financial benefits and opportunities:
Financial benefits
- Healthy Margins: Earn generous margins for strong sales performance.
- Sales Performance Incentive Fund Formula (SPIFFs): Receive cash bonuses for closing specific sales.
- Quarterly Promotions: Take part in quarterly promotions that generate marginal revenue.
Additional opportunities
- Ongoing Support: Continuous technical support to help partners deliver top-tier endpoint security.
- Marketing Assistance: Guidance and resources are available for marketing campaign development.
- Partner Experience Center: Partners have access to a single location to register deals, manage opportunities, initiate training and certifications, access sales enablement material, and more.
Why we love Malwarebytes ThreatDown
Malwarebytes ThreatDown provides simple yet powerful endpoint protection that MSPs can easily manage. Its focus on usability, combined with effective threat detection, makes it a standout in the endpoint security market. Its competitive pricing and ease of deployment are key advantages for MSPs and system integrators.
Nerdio Manager for Enterprise
Nerdio Manager for Enterprise optimizes and manages Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) environments. Its deep integration with Azure automates deployments and management processes, reducing complexity for MSPs and integrators. The platform offers advanced cost optimization features, helping partners and clients save money by right-sizing resources. Its automation and Azure integration make it a top choice for cloud-based desktop services.
Nerdio’s partner program offers the following financial benefits and additional opportunities:
Financial benefits
- Incentives and Rewards: The company’s Silver, Gold, and Platinum level programs include a range of margins and deal registrations.
- Marketing Development Funds: Marketing support incentives and funds are available to fuel marketing efforts.
Additional opportunities
- Deal Registration and Protection: Deal protection ensures partners enjoy deal exclusivity.
- Quarterly Business Plan: Participation in comprehensive sales and marketing strategy sessions, training and certification plans, and prospecting initiatives, structured for mutual growth.
Why we love Nerdio Manager for Enterprise
Nerdio Manager for Enterprise simplifies Azure Virtual Desktop management for MSPs with powerful automation and cost optimization features. Its focus on Azure makes it an ideal tool for MSPs operating in cloud-based environments. Its ability to streamline AVD management and reduce costs sets it apart from other desktop virtualization solutions.
Veeam Backup & Replication
Veeam Backup & Replication provides data protection for virtual, physical, and cloud environments with rapid recovery capabilities and robust backup verification. The system includes automated testing of backups to ensure data integrity, flexible storage options for safeguarding mission-critical applications, and scaling to meet growing demands. Overall, it is an efficient and secure solution that is easily tailored to meet a diverse range of needs.
Veeam’s partner program offers the following financial benefits and additional opportunities:
Financial benefits
Contact the company to learn of any financial incentives, rebates, and discounts through its partner program.
Additional opportunities
- Comprehensive Training: Detailed training programs and certifications to enhance partner knowledge.
- Sales Enablement Resources: A variety of tools and support help partners achieve high levels of customer satisfaction.
Why we love Veeam Backup & Replication
Veeam Backup & Replication stands out for its reliability and comprehensive features that ensure data protection across multiple platforms. Its instant recovery capabilities and automated backup verification make it a go-to for clients with critical uptime requirements, and its strong support for cloud environments further enhances its value in modern IT landscapes.
Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage
Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage is a cloud storage solution that stands out for its simplicity and reliability. With a straightforward pricing model, it eliminates the pitfalls of hidden fees, making it an attractive choice for businesses of all sizes. The solution provides fast data retrieval and seamless integration with existing workflows, providing a competitive edge in the cloud storage market, and making it ideal for partners seeking scalable storage that doesn’t compromise on quality.
Financial benefits
Contact the company to learn of deals, rebates, and financial incentives through its partner program.
Additional opportunities
- Partner Support: Wasabi offers access to dedicated partner resources and technical support for seamless storage solutions.
- Zero Egress Fees: Partners avoid fees for data transfers.
Why we love Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage
Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage offers a straightforward, cost-effective solution for cloud storage without the complications of hidden fees. Its performance and integration capabilities make it a reliable choice for MSPs needing scalable storage. Wasabi’s transparent pricing and elimination of egress fees distinguish it from other cloud storage providers, making it a favorite among cost-conscious clients.
Key reasons to evaluate partner programs
Evaluating various vendor partner programs is essential for MSPs, resellers, and others within the IT channel seeking to optimize their operations and drive growth. Choosing the right partner program can significantly impact your business success, from financial gains to operational efficiency. This is especially important for MSPs who are just starting out. Five key reasons to assess a vendor’s partner program include:
- Benefitting from the best financial deals: Your evaluation lets you identify vendors that offer the most attractive discounts, rebates, and performance-based rewards to enhance your profitability, improve your cash flow, and support your business expansion.
- Ensuring top-quality training and support: Top-quality training resources, technical assistance, and certification opportunities ensure you’re well-equipped to deliver top-notch service, overcome technical challenges, and stay current with technological innovations.
- Leveraging branding features and value-added differentiation: Partner programs often include unique features and exclusive offerings that can set your service portfolio apart from competitors and strengthen your market position.
- Verifying ease of integration: Seamless integration with your existing systems is crucial for minimizing deployment disruptions and ensuring that your operations continue smoothly without unnecessary delays or complications.
- Simplifying deployment: Programs that offer automated provisioning, monitoring, AI scripts, and management tools help you attain efficiency, consistency, and service delivery.
How to choose the best partner program for your business
When selecting the best partner programs for your business, it’s important to consider how well each program aligns with your strategic goals and operational needs. Focus on choosing partners that offer strong financial incentives, robust support and training, seamless integration, and automation features.
Evaluating how each program fits with your existing service offerings and client needs is key. Products that stand out often provide a mix of high margins, easy management, and strong differentiation in the market. For specific industries, like healthcare or finance, choose programs that offer tailored solutions to meet regulatory requirements and specialized needs.
Bottom line: Choose the best mix of partners to ensure your success
The recommendations we’ve provided are tailored to ensure you have the best selection across today’s most critical product areas, including data protection, network management, server infrastructure, hybrid cloud solutions, endpoint security, cloud-based desktop management, backup and replication, and cloud storage. The right partner program mix will enable you to deliver high-quality services and maintain a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving market.
Looking to partner with an app and virtualization partner? Learn about the key features of Citrix’s partner program and see whether Citrix is a viable option for your business.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Below are three frequently asked questions about vendor partner programs that you may find helpful:
Why should you care about a partner program?
Partner programs are important because they offer financial incentives that can significantly increase sales revenue. They also provide access to essential support, training resources, and certifications, enabling you to effectively implement and manage a particular vendor’s hardware and software offerings. Additionally, partner programs streamline processes and reduce manual tasks for both your organization and your customers’ operations, allowing your business to operate more smoothly and profitably.
Do all technology companies offer a partner program?
Not all technology companies have partner programs. These programs are most commonly found among larger vendors and those specifically targeting resellers and managed service providers (MSPs). The types of programs offered by vendors can vary significantly, so it’s important to seek out those that offer the best mix of financial incentives and other forms of support to help build your business.
How can you sign up for partner program benefits?
To sign up for partner program benefits, start by contacting the vendor directly to inquire about their program or visit their partner program page for more information. Ensure that you meet the program’s qualifications, complete the required application forms and agreements, and then wait to hear back from the vendor regarding any next steps.