EMC slashes BPP thresholds as execs depart

Controversial sales barriers reduced, sources claim, as senior execs head for the exit

EMC has given in to partners' complaints and reduced the massive sales thresholds on its Business Partner Programme (BPP), CRN understands. The move comes as a senior exec duo heads for the exit.

CRN understands top-level partners were informed today about the changes, which will see the Platinum threshold drop from $65m (£45.4m) sales a year to $45m. The Gold barrier will be lowered from $15m to $8m over the same period, while Silver will remain at $1.25m.

The eye-watering thresholds were brought in when the Business Partner Programme (BPP) came into play at the start of last year.

The initial move went down badly with a number of partners who said it would effectively downgrade their partner status even though they invest a significant amount of their time, effort and money in the vendor.

EMC had hinted in recent months that it was considering rejigging the programme and has made efforts to talk up the benefits of its mid-market partners - many of which were hardest hit by the introduction of the mammoth thresholds.

CRN understands that the rest of EMC's partner base will be informed about the new thresholds early next week.

At the start of this year, EMC - which is currently in the midst of being acquired by Dell in the biggest tech takeover ever - announced plans to slash its workforce.

CRN understands that Terry Beale, former UK channel boss, but more recently senior director for emerging products, has left the company, along with RSA's senior vice president for EMEA Rob Gould.

EMC was not immediately available to comment on the exec departures or the new thresholds.