Google Cloud flings open the doors with new partner scheme

Global partner head says 'any company can qualify' for lower end of three-tier programme

Google is opening its doors for "any company to qualify" for its cloud partner programme with the implementation of a classic three-tier channel scheme.

A blog post from Mark Hodgson, head of global partner programmes, reveals that the search giant is bringing in an entry-level "Registered Company" track to its channel scheme for the Google Cloud Platform. Above it will sit Authorised and top-level Premier Partner badges.

Registered Companies will have access to online training and other web-based resources, while Authorised Partners will also benefit from a "core partner programme with branding [and] relationship management". Top-tier Premier Partners will enjoy "access to premier-level services", Hodgson claimed.

The programme was previously divided into two strands, which were broadly focused on ISVs and resellers respectively, with a total of 161 partners signed up. Hodgson said the new-look structure provides "the means for any company to qualify" to join on the bottom rung.

"These tiers are the first steps of many to further develop our partner community so we can provide the best possible experiences for everyone out there while working hand in hand with those companies that make it possible," he added.