Storage giant NetApp has smashed its Silver Partner programme target of 700 resellers after signing up 1,000 partners in less than a year.

The vendor has also handed Silver status to distributor Hammer, meaning it can register more resellers to become Silver Partners. NetApp also partners with DNS Arrow and Bell Micro in the UK.

Launched last May, the EMEA-wide programme is aimed at mid-sized resellers.
Eric Saillard, director for EMEA channel at NetApp, said: “We noticed that SME-focused partners needed a different approach. We changed the way we engaged with them and raised the level of training.”

Silver Partners have access to NetApp’s PartnerCenter web portal, which provides a platform for resellers to maintain permanent contact with their distributor.

They are also able to move up the VIP Partner Programme ladder through training, up-selling and further investment with NetApp.

Jason Beeson, solutions director at Hammer, said: “We previously partnered with NetApp on its StoreVault products, before they were discontinued.

“The Silver status now covers FAS2000, which broadens the portfolio we can take to our resellers.”