Oracle Accelerates its UK channel

Database software vendor rolls out dedicated SME channel programme in UK, one month after US launch

Software goliath Oraclehas promised its SME partners access to a raft of new goodies after rolling its Accelerate partner programme in the UK.

The initiative, which was launched in the US last month, is designed to hand partners the resources to build vertically-tailored bundles that are packaged and priced specifically for SMEs.

The bundles will be based around each of its ERP brands: Oracle E-Business Suite; JD Edwards; PeopleSoft; and Siebel.

Partners who certify for the new programme will be rewarded with assistance in locating and marketing to potential customers and access to an applications referral programme.

Oracle also intends to introduce a new partner loyalty programme for Accelerate partners in its next fiscal year.

Hazel Nash, senior director of Oracle SMB applications UK, claimed the new programme would allow Oracle to push deeper into vertical markets.

“This enables us to go much wider by industry through industry-aligned bundles,” she told CRN.

She would not disclose how many industry-tailored bundles Oracle planned to release, or reveal partner recruitment plans.

Bhavesh Patel, UK commercial director for Ingram Micro, one of two SMB distributors for Oracle in the UK, said: “Accelerate is very much aimed at Oracle’s existing certified partner network. Our remit is recruitment, enablement and development of new partners.”

Patel added that Ingram’s objective was to recruit between 200 and 300 SME partners for Oracle this year.

David Forest, chief executive at Oracle partner Percipient, said. “This is a fundamental change for Oracle in the SME market. It is giving its partners more support and backing.”