Programme will connect Novell service partners

Novell has launched the Novell Support Connection Service Partner programme in the UK, the first Novell programme under which partners will pay fees for a support qualification. The programme is open to technical service providers.

June May, Novell's vice president of technical services, said that service providers who meet the programme's requirements can expect benefits including lead referrals through the Internet, use of the Novell Service Partner mark, and inclusion in events, briefings, updates and announcements.

Marketing materials will be available, including the Novell Solution City and Novell Power Partner CD-ROMs. The Novell Support Connection Web site will have support information, online incident submittal and tracking for partners, and will also offer Novell customers the chance to get information on Service Partners when selecting a Var.

None of this will come free however. And partners will need to meet certain requirements. For example, three CNEs will need to be dedicated to the support organisation, and partners will need to make available a hotline support desk at least eight hours a day, with one CNE or CNA always available.

Onsite support must be provided for customers within a 50Km radius of the Service Partner's site. Novell is encouraging partners to join the scheme early with a discounted annual fee.