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Avnet Announces New Partner Training Network 

At this week’s partner summit, Avnet introduced its new training and enablement community, the Avnet Knowledge Network. The private community is a single source of solution and supplier sales information and training for Avnet’s independent software vendor (ISV), managed service provider (MSP), systems integrator (SI) and value-added reseller (VAR) partners in the United States and Canada. The network provides partners with educational resources that help them sell more complex and multi-vendor solutions, expand their knowledge of vertical markets and technology solutions, and get the industry news and information.

Designed to make it easier for Avnet’s partner community to sell solutions by providing vendor, product, solution and service information along with programs and promotions that cross technologies and vertical market solutions, the network provides training materials, resources and sales tools. Partners also can engage with Avnet’s subject-matter experts for discussions and advice on solutions.

In separate news, Avnet expanded its portfolio to include integrated, packaged solutions powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), which are available through the new Avnet Cloud Marketplace. These packaged offerings include backup and disaster recovery solutions that integrate NetApp and Veritas software with Amazon Simple Storage Service (Amazon S3) and Amazon Glacier.

X-IO Launches Partner Program

X-IO Technologies launched its eXcellence Partner Program, focused on partner profitability, enablement and ease of doing business. The program is designed to accelerate profitability by eliminating multiple partner levels, simplifying the registration process, offering a pricing model that is easy to use, and protecting both existing deals and new account activities. Partners have access to a range of resources, including local sales and technical support, financial incentives, training and a self-service partner portal. X-IO is committed to 100 percent channel sales, driving all new business through its partner network in North America; Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA); and the Asia-Pacific (APAC) markets.

Distil Networks Debuts Channel Program

Distil Networks, a global provider of bot detection and mitigation, launched its global channel partner program, which is designed for solutions providers that specialize in Web application security and Website performance. Through these partnerships, including inaugural partners Optiv, Onistec and CIPHER, the company expects to increase channel sales tenfold in the next year. Channel partners have access to Distil’s full product portfolio, including Bot Detection and Mitigation, API Security and Threat Intelligence. They also have access to dedicated channel sales professionals, dedicated sales engineers and post-sale integration and service delivery teams. The company offers residual compensation with uncapped commission potential, as well as a program to integrate with distributors and resellers. 

Thycotic Unveils Deal Registration and Rewards Program

Thycotic, a provider of privileged account management solutions, named Bob Gagnon vice president of channel sales. Gagnon has more than 20 years of experience in developing revenue streams across a variety of channel segments, including distribution, retail, VAR, MSP, DMR (direct market reseller) and alliances.

As his first initiative as vice president of channel sales, Gagnon and his team launched the Thycotic Rewards Program. Under the new program, resellers can register and earn incentive payments of $250 for every registered deal with a value of at least $5,000. Partners also earn margin protection credit and a higher deal registration discount for approved deal registrations. Thycotic will approve valid deals within one business day.

Extreme Networks Enhances Partner Program

Extreme Networks is extending its software and solution-based strategy to its global partners driven by increased demand for opportunities around wireless, cloud and managed services. Partners will be able to offer core-to-edge software-led networking solutions—including Extreme’s wired, wireless, software, cloud and managed services. The enhanced Extreme Partner Network (EPN) delivers increased predictability with new rebate programs, expanded enablement offerings and training, enhanced deal registration and solution-based incentive programs that enable partners to differentiate themselves in the market.

The company also provides new vertical and technology solutions-focused partner lead-generation programs, and adds a new not for resale (NFR) equipment program. In addition, Extreme is introducing two new ExtremeWorks Managed Services offerings that allow partners to take advantage of new consumption models.