Verizon Launches New Partner Program to Better Serve Medium Business Market

LAS VEGAS, Feb. 27, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- To meet the growing demand from medium businesses for cloud, advanced mobility, strategic communications and intelligent networking solutions, Verizon is simplifying its relationship with indirect sales channels and the companies that form its extensive technology ecosystem. Verizon is consolidating several existing business channel programs under a new best-in-class Verizon Partner Program to make it easier for its members to expand distribution and create new business opportunities for their customers.

Working with a wide range of technology providers, Verizon can combine its leading technology solutions to meet industry-specific requirements. Verizon is focused on tailoring solutions across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, financial services, energy and utility, retail, hospitality, automotive, manufacturing, transportation, distribution and the public sector.

The new program tailors regional and national opportunities for systems integrators, value added resellers, agents and solutions providers to accelerate delivery and adoption of solutions for meeting medium business requirements.  Leading companies such as Tech Data Corporation, Telecom Brokerage Inc. (TBI), SOVA, General Datatech (GDT) and CDW are among the growing list of premier channel partners within the Verizon Partner Program.

"The Verizon Partner Program puts customers first, by outfitting all of our channel partners with the right portfolio and support to shorten the sales cycle and immediately meet the demands of the market," said Janet Schijns, vice president of medium business and channels for Verizon Enterprise Solutions.  "Our new initiative is raising the bar in the industry by simplifying processes and providing comprehensive training and tools to create new business opportunities for our partners.  Now, our partners have access to channel managers in the field, marketing development funds and a partner community powered by Salesforce to facilitate a better experience for solutions providers and customers."

Members of Verizon's new program can employ leading cloud solutions from Salesforce.com to collaborate with Verizon sales teams for managing marketing development funds, deal registration and joint go- to- market opportunities.

Verizon will unveil the new program in conjunction with its participation today at the 2013 Channel Partners Conference & Expo in Las Vegas.

Verizon Partner Program Go-To-Market Approach

The three distinct business models offered by the program are:

• "Agent," which allows partners to sell solutions on behalf of Verizon.
• "Resale," which offers partners the flexibility to package and market and resell services.
• "Sell With," which creates an opportunity to jointly market and present unified and complementary solutions to prospective customers across vertical industries.  

In addition, the program features a simple, tiered benefits structure that allows partners the flexibility to determine levels of commitment, and also includes simple-to-use tools and clear and consistent engagement processes. Additional information and resources for becoming a Verizon channel partner can be found at www.verizon.com/partnerprogram, which also features a video detailing the initiative.

"With its new partner program, Verizon is primed to penetrate the medium business market by working more effectively with solutions providers," said Courtney Munroe, group vice president with IDC.  "By bringing existing programs under one umbrella and introducing the same portfolio and support tools used by its direct sales team, Verizon is demonstrating its commitment to success for both its members and medium business customers."

Verizon Enterprise Solutions creates global connections that generate growth, drive business innovation and move society forward.  With industry-specific solutions and a full range of global wholesale offerings provided over the company's secure mobility, cloud, strategic networking and advanced communications platforms, Verizon Enterprise Solutions helps open new opportunities around the world for innovation, investment and business transformation.  Visit www.verizonenterprise.com to learn more.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to consumer, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, with more than 98 million retail connections nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers integrated business solutions to customers in more than 150 countries, including all of the Fortune 500.  A Dow 30 company with nearly $116 billion in 2012 revenues, Verizon employs a diverse workforce of 183,400.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.  

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SOURCE Verizon