Alcatel-Lucent throws weight behind SME channel

Communications vendor unveils slew of new incentives for SME partners

IP communications and security vendor Alcatel-Lucent has unleashed several new incentives and marketing campaigns to support partners targeting the SME market.

Partners are due to benefit from a new incentive scheme, which gives rewards in return for high SME sales volumes.

Business partners selling Alcatel-Lucent Office Communication Solutions and other Alcatel-Lucent converged voice and data solutions are eligible for the highest incentives.

David Parker, vice president of Alcatel-Lucent's enterprise activities, UK &I, said: “Our new SME strategy will help all of our partners facilitate further growth by arming them with the tools they need to reach these new markets and increase sales, while giving us a chance to reward them for their efforts in proactively selling our solutions.”

The vendor plans to supports its partners through SME marketing campaigns, customised sales and messaging. This will also include new sales training designed to engage better with the end user rather than just focusing on the technical details of a contract.

Andrew Terry, managing director of Switch, said: “From helping us refresh our telesales scripts to brainstorming ideas, the support team is allowing us to re-energise our own SME sales efforts in the ever-changing market.”

Alcatel-Lucent is also re-launching its Business in Motion campaign, which supports partners in identifying mobility solutions for workers requiring network access and connectivity.