Oracle unveils updated PartnerNetwork
OpenWorld is host to a series of new partner initiatives from the networking vendor
Oracle kicked off its annual OpenWorld event last week by unveiling its updated PartnerNetwork and a series of partner initiatives designed to support further channel growth and development.
Among the announcements made at the San Francisco event, Oracle launched an enhanced PartnerNetwork Solutions Catalogue to connect partners and end-users.
The PartnerNetwork, a VAR support network, will operate in 13 languages and enable end-user searches based on various criteria. End-users can now also locate partners through their technology integration with Oracle and its external technology partners.
Doug Kennedy, vice-president of worldwide alliances and channels at Oracle, said in a statement: “Oracle relies on partners to help achieve its business objectives. We are committed to offering superior resources so partners can take advantage of a rapidly growing market opportunity.”
Oracle has also developed additional resources for pre-release partner application training, SME sales kits and product information. The resources will be delivered through the enhanced Oracle PartnerNetwork.
“These new resources demonstrate Oracle’s commitment to providing our partners with the resources they need to be effective,” Kennedy added.
The vendor also announced its Oracle Accelerate SME programme to partners. It comprises industry-specific and pre-packed application bundles, implementation tools and certified Oracle applications.
Charles Phillips, president of Oracle, said: “The introduction of Oracle Accelerate expands on our experience in this market and makes it faster and easier for customers and partners to leverage Oracle’s enterprise applications.”
Phil Anthony, Oracle solutions manager at VAR Repton, told CRN that Oracle is expanding its focus into the SME market.
“From a new-business perspective, Oracle is trying to package its products to target the SME market,” he said. “But for a lot of VARs, the large margin and services opportunities are not to be found there. Oracle also has a prominent direct salesforce that can sometimes become a threat.”
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