Dell enhances PartnerDirect

Dell has added more sweeteners to its PartnerDirect channel programme across Europe to help partners to grab more market share.

The vendor has updated its existing certification paths in enterprise architecture (EA) and SME, included a webcast infrastructure, and also added new face-to-face training programmes. The updates will give partners access to special pricing, support, training and tools.

Dell’s EA programme will consist of three certification streams for individuals – EA Certified Storage Specialist, EA Certified Server Specialist and EA Certified Partner. Trainees qualify for additional benefits such as discounts when they have completed both specialist streams.

Resellers seeking the SME Certified Partner status will be offered a wider range of courses covering six modules: Welcome to Dell, Poweredge, Powervault, Latitude, EqualLogic and Pro Support. Dell has also opened up the individual skill training criteria to include MCSE, MCTS, CCNA or VMware qualifications.

Face-to-face training programmes will be delivered by specialist consultants certified by Dell, covering technology areas such as datacentre, storage, Microsoft, virtualisation and service management. Initially starting in Amsterdam, Frankfurt, London and Paris, the courses will hit more cities later in 2009, Dell said.

On top of these changes, Dell has also revamped its PartnerDirect portal, giving resellers greater access to training materials, and it will transmit " online solution" broadcasts targeted at sales and technical professionals.

Kathy Schneider, channel marketing and programmes director EMEA at Dell, said: “We have had very positive feedback from partners on our accreditation programmes in EA and SME, most recently at our second annual Partner Advisory Council in London.

“Based on this feedback, we have developed more robust and value-added offerings to give partners greater support and enable them to broaden the solutions they can offer," she added. "Empowering our partners with the skills and knowledge to help their customers transform their IT operations is a vital part of the PartnerDirect vision.”