Avaya claims training rejig will save VARs money

Vendor lauds benefits of subscription pricing model as new badges are unveiled

Butt: since announcing Avaya Connect we have seen other companies adopt a similar approach

Comms vendor Avaya has revamped its channel training offering in a bid to make it more accessible.

The Professional Credentials programme is part of Avaya Connect, the vendor's first global channel scheme, which was unveiled in November. The training scheme will see Avaya trim its total number of certifications to 36. The New Jersey-based firm also claims to have cut the number of hours needed to complete courses by 84 per cent.

Avaya has also introduced a fixed-price subscription model which will cover all the training needed for a particular product set over a 12-18 month period. The vendor claims this option will offer savings of up 75 per cent when compared with the à la carte pricing model.

New accreditations include the Avaya Certified Solutions Architect (ACSA) and Certified Installation Specialist (ACIS). The former is based around Avaya's Aura SIP platform and the vendor claims it is the first accreditation of its kind in the industry. The lower-end ACIS is designed for technicians whose job invariably involves simple installations of single products.

Avaya's vice president of worldwide channels Jeremy Butt claimed his firm's channel scheme had been so well put together, rival vendors have been copying it.

“Avaya’s training and credentials model will enable our partners to build a more capable, well-trained workforce at a lower investment cost,” he said. “Since announcing the overall Avaya Connect programme last year, we have seen other companies adopt a similar approach to training.

"This helps confirm that we are on the right track in offering new ways partners can benefit with higher margins, streamline sales cycles and provide better customer service.”