Nokia Channel Partner Ranks Swell

Cell phone manufacturer Nokia said Jan. 22 that it has added 750 companies to its channel partner program since the program was revamped three months ago.

The company first announced the improved Nokia for Business Channel Program in October in an effort to better serve customers through IT channels in addition to its more traditional operator channel.

Nokia said that enterprise mobility is the next wave of IT investment for many businesses. But with so many options to choose from, businesses often prefer to rely on their existing VAR relationships to help navigate the options available, the Espoo, Finland-based company said in a statement announcing the program milestone.

Nokia said the new channel program is designed to provide partners with training, resources and financial support. Many of the participants in the new program were Nokia partners under the company’s previous channel program.

Click here to read more about how Nokia is empowering partners with its new channel program.

The new program offers a one-stop online portal, launched Jan. 1, that allows partners to fine-tune their business plans throughout the year. Portions of Partner Center are powered by Salesforce.com, giving partners a real-time dashboard on program requirements and benefits, including the status of market development funds, customer leads, technical and sales certification, training accreditation levels, and financial benefits. The Partner Center also provides accredited partners with access to marketing tools, training, product information and support.

Nokia has also launched a Partner Locator, an online tool that lets end customers search for local Nokia channel partners and then view partner credentials and contact information.