HP lowers barrier of entry for Preferred Partners

Fiscal 2010 partner programme will take into account existing partner credentials

Antoine Barre: We will be making it easier for our partners to do business with HP

HP will make it easier for members of its Preferred Partner Programme to qualify for its 2010 programme, by recognising existing credentials and cutting the number of entry-level requirements.

Designed to save current partners time and money, 2009 Preferred Partners that have met certification requirements will now only need to meet the new revenue criteria to gain entry into the 2010 programme.

Following on from the existing 2009 programme, HP’s 2010 Preferred Partner Programme will be effective 1 November, 2009.

Antoine Barre, vice president of solution partners organisation at HP Europe EMEA, said: “HP’s industry-leading Preferred Partner Programme demonstrates our commitment to the channel by affording our partners a broad range of benefits to enhance business development and stimulate profitable growth.

“Given the programme’s proven ability to deliver on the needs of its members and the importance of maintaining stability in the current environment, we will be making only minimal changes to the 2010 programme. We will also be making it easier for our partners to do business with HP in what undoubtedly remains a challenging time for them.”

HP’s Preferred Partner Programme offers members support through training, the use of the Preferred Partner logo, HP account management and special pricing.

The vendor is also simplifying its imaging and printing (I&P) business into a single I&P programme, to aid partners in sales growth.

The changes will enable partners to benefit from sales-related bonuses and special pricing on I&P products and services.

Partners will also have access to business development programmes, such a pay-per-usage contracts and large-format printing solutions.