Siebel may sever links with US resellers

Enterprise software firm Siebel is refusing to comment on speculation that it is planning to axe up to three-quarters of its US channel.

Enterprise software firm Siebel is refusing to comment on speculation that it is planning to axe up to three-quarters of its US channel.

According to sources, Siebel is moving away from its reseller channel in the US, after mid-market sales failed to live up to the company's expectations.

"Siebel has not been very happy with the way its reseller partnerships have worked in the US, which is why it is looking to reduce the amount of business it does through the channel there," a reseller claimed. The decision could have a knock-on effect on the UK channel, he added.

Staff at Siebel UK declined to comment, saying it was a "US-based issue". CRN was unable to contact Siebel US representatives.

Although Siebel claimed it does most of its business direct to large enterprises, Siebel UK emphasised the importance of resellers to specific market segments, such as SMEs.

"The impact of reseller partners at Siebel Systems in 2001 is increasing as they help us serve an increasing number of customers in the middle market," a Siebel UK representative said.

First published in Computer Reseller News