Pegasus launches partner certification

Vendor continues bid to bury its channel-unfriendly past

Financial software vendor Pegasus has continued its bid to bury its channel-unfriendly past by launching its first certified partner programme.

The vendor, which has 180 UK partners, went through two years of channel turmoil when it was acquired by Freecom.net. Since a management shake-up, however, it has tried to improve its channel image.

Gary Turner, product marketing director at Pegasus, said: "We want to get closer to our channel after our rocky past. Until now partners were all at the same level, but the scheme will allow them to make extra investment and get extra benefits."

The programme, due to launch at Pegasus's partner conference in Warwickshire tomorrow, will include two new tiers above the basic Reseller level.

Criteria for Certified Partners will include extra investment and a service level agreement. Certified Gold Partners, the highest level, will also be required to have a certain number of Pegasus-qualified staff.

Certified and Gold partners will receive funds to reinvest in brand marketing, and access to a dedicated web site.

"We want to encourage partners to invest more and upgrade their status, but we will not be culling partners. Resellers will have the choice," Turner said.

David Egerton, managing director of Gold Partner Profile.co.uk, said: "This recognises the investment resellers have made and proves Pegasus has the right attitude to its channel."

Tony Whitehead, managing director of Certified Gold Partner PCS, said: "Pegasus is showing a commitment to its channel by setting a standard, which in turn provides a benchmark for customers."