Juniper Networks invents new 'Elite Plus' tier amid raft of partner programme updates

The new Elite Plus tier is aimed at Juniper’s 'most dedicated partners' and offers 'superior support, investment and rewards'

Networking vendor Juniper Networks had announced a raft of updates to its Juniper Partner Advantage Programme (JPA), including a new top-tier level and "a modernised engagement platform".

The updates to JPA will be available in January 2022 and also include a new learning experience which Juniper claims will "enable partners to quickly expand their knowledge of Juniper and maximise their business growth opportunities".

"Juniper Networks is a partner-centric company, and the investments we've made in the programme for 2022 will accelerate our strong partnerships and continue us all on the path of hyper-growth," said Gordon Mackintosh, VP of global channel and virtual sales at Juniper Networks.

"We believe our acquisition strategy and innovations have created the most compelling portfolio of networking solutions available today.

"By bringing that spirit of innovation into the partner program, with a new elite tier and enhanced community, we plan to see rapid growth and expansion next year and beyond."

Juniper has acquired Mist Technologies, 128 Technology, Apstra and Netrounds in recent years and claims JPA 2022 will "build on these investments".

The new Elite Plus tier is aimed at Juniper's "most dedicated partners" and offers "superior support, investment and rewards, along with dedicated business development and demand generation resources", as well as boosted incentives for software.

Meanwhile, the new learning academy platform will "serve as a resource for new content and webinars to drive partner education and accelerate success", Juniper said.

Moreover, partners will be able to gain access to continuous learning, virtual selling tools, a communities forum, collaborative workspaces and digital badges and rewards to recognise success as part of an expanded Champions programme.

And new virtual sales pods will "create a shared workspace for partners and Juniper experts to communicate in real-time on account plans, ongoing sales efforts and more" which the vendor adds will lead to "faster sales cycles and enhanced conversion rates".