Channel praises AMD's new focus

Vendor's latest Fusion Partner Programme is welcomed as it looks to get closer to smaller channel players

AMD’s channel has welcomed its revamped global partner programme as it pledges to plough more funds into smaller partners and simplify its sales process.

The vendor unveiled its Fusion Partner Programme last week– its first proper rejig since it acquired graphics card manufacturer ATI in 2006. Partners in all regions will now be classified into three levels – top level Elite, Premier and entry-level Select.

David Kenyon, vice president of worldwide channel marketing at AMD, said smaller partners will feel more loved.

“We were not spending enough time with our smaller partners and we wanted to make some investment further down the channel,” he said.

Partners will also be placed into one of six business tracks aligned to their model, to help them maximise sales.

Raj Suman, EMEA vice president, computer components at Avnet, welcomed the change.

“This allows AMD to see the partners that are adding value. Also AMD’s past programmes have been very separate, but Fusion will allow partners to have a stronger message in the market.”

Charanjeet Kohli (CK), owner of YoYoTech, said: “You need suppliers to reward every effort you make to increase not only unit sales, but also sales revenue and margins. It is nice that AMD wants to put more energy into channel programmes.”

Tony Riccardi, sales director at MESH, said the change typifies AMD’s new ‘can do’ attitude.

“We are now looking forward to increasing our sales with AMD by around 100 per cent over the next six months,” he said.