Akamai launches unified global partner program with local benefits

Akamai Technologies has unveiled Akamai Partner Connect, a unified global partner program that replaces its previous partner structure with a single framework supporting resellers, distributors, service providers, technology service distributors, and referrals.

The transition aims to simplify and consolidate the company's approach to partner engagement internationally, introducing enhanced incentives, localised tiering, and streamlined access to tools and support resources for all partners worldwide.

Unified global program

Akamai Partner Connect consolidates multiple go-to-market tracks into one platform to reduce complexity and make partner engagement models more straightforward across different regions and market maturities. This integration reflects feedback from partners seeking greater simplicity and flexibility when engaging with Akamai.

"Partners have told us they want simpler engagement, clearer incentives, and more flexibility at the local level," said Paul Joseph, Executive Vice President of Global Sales and Services at Akamai. "Akamai Partner Connect delivers on that feedback. It addresses the needs of different partner types based on what's best for their business, aligns rewards with strategic solutions, and gives regional teams more control to support partners where and how they operate."

This marks the first occasion that Akamai has integrated all types of partners - resellers, distributors, service providers, technology service distributors, and referral partners - under one global program. The company has also decentralised qualification requirements, allowing regional teams to reflect market-specific conditions more accurately within the structure of the partnership program.

Program benefits

Akamai Partner Connect introduces a number of key benefits designed to address the diverse priorities and operational realities of partners worldwide. These include:

• One streamlined program for resellers, distributors, service providers, technology service distributors, and referral partners
• Localised tiering that reflects market maturity and rewards performance at the regional level
• Incentives aligned with strategic solution areas, specifically rewarding partners for delivering customer outcomes and growth
• Enhanced enablement and support, integrating training, technical resources, and adoption tools

The program also maintains support for existing cloud services partners via dedicated agreements, with resellers continuing to qualify for volume-based discounts. Akamai has also opened the program to independent software vendors as part of a broader evolution of its cloud partner strategy.

Partner perspectives

Several partners from around the globe have voiced their positive outlook on the new program framework.

"Partners are taking on an increasingly diverse range of service delivery tasks, creating better customer experience for Akamai and enhancing our own profitability. It's exciting to see that Akamai Partner Connect offers an extensive range of content to help partners improve our service delivery, along with more knowledge sharing and support from backend experts." - River He, Product Director, Wangsu (China)

From Latin America, Apukay noted the benefits of flexible collaboration and rapid response through the new framework.

"What stands out most about Akamai Partner Connect is its flexibility - it mirrors how we actually work in LATAM, often alongside other partners on the same deal. Being recognised and supported in that kind of collaboration gives us the confidence to keep focusing on customer success. On top of that, features like Ask an Expert mean we get answers to complex questions in hours, so our customers see faster resolutions and fewer roadblocks. For Apukay, that combination of flexibility and speed is making a real difference, and we see even more potential as the program grows." - Agustin Chivilo, Global Operations Director, Apukay (Peru)

The Ask an Expert initiative received specific attention from NESS.Cloud and ITway.

"As part of the brand-new Akamai Partner Connect program, the 'Ask An Expert' initiative has transformed how we serve customers. Direct access to Akamai experts means faster resolutions, valuable guidance, and a smoother experience for our clients. It bridges the gap between standard support and complex needs. For us, as a strategic Akamai partner, it's become a key pillar in how we deliver value, grow customer trust, and collaborate more effectively with Akamai." - David Bismuth, CEO, NESS.Cloud, ITway (Israel)

Security and growth features of the program were highlighted by partners in Europe.

"Telekom and Akamai share a strong commitment to protecting customers with innovative security solutions like Akamai Guardicore Segmentation. With Akamai Partner Connect, we see a program that not only reflects this shared vision but also provides targeted benefits that support customer adoption and growth." - Thomas Tschersich, CEO Telekom Security, Telekom (Germany)

"I was positively impressed by Akamai's new partner program, which I believe fully meets the need to address a rapidly and profoundly evolving IT channel. Not only will resellers welcome the simplification, flexibility, and new services provided by the new program, they will also be able to take advantage of a series of economic incentives that make partnering with Akamai even more attractive." - Michele Bondi, Director of Cybersecurity, ICOS (Italy)

"The new Akamai partner program will provide Infinigate and our partners with a range of benefits, a more predictable financial rewards framework, and a clear path to growth and future success. At Infinigate, we have already seen strong momentum with Akamai - recruiting new partners, building a channel-led pipeline, and generating incremental revenue. The introduction of this program further strengthens the opportunity and reinforces Akamai's focus on enabling growth through distribution and our partners." - Justin Griffiths, UK Managing Director, Infinigate UK (UK)

Akamai Partner Connect is scheduled for global launch in the third quarter of 2025.