Barracuda makes splash with new partner scheme

New discounts added for Premier and Preferred partners

Barracuda Networks has launched a refresh to its partner programme which it hopes will give its biggest partners greater rewards while still maintaining a place for its smaller resellers.

Among the key features of the updates are new discounts for Premier and Preferred partners, which have been boosted by five percentage points on Barracuda's 3xx product range and above.

Barracuda has also adjusted its accreditation tiers to move from three to four levels, which now are Premier, Preferred, Authorised and Registered.

Speaking to CRN, Michael Hughes, senior vice president for worldwide sales at Barracuda, said these accreditation changes have been made to suit the full range of Barracuda partners, from the smallest to the largest players.

"Adding another level allows us to give that smaller partner a position to go and compete for business without having that revenue requirement of a large partner," Hughes said.

In another update, partners that want "Not For Resale" products – which are used for internal use or as samples – will now be able to get 75 per cent off, compared with the previous 50 per cent discount.

Hughes said central to these programme changes was Barracuda trying to make the process straightforward for its partners.

"We try to make it simple for the partner and the partner programme is all around us attempting to make that buying experience frictionless," he said.

Daniel Bailey, director and co-founder of Barracuda partner Altinet, said he welcomed the changes to the partner programme.

"What Barracuda is trying to do with the new structure is to say that if you lead with Barracuda and make it an important part of your pitch, we will reward you for it. I think that's the right way to go with it," he added.