EMC has recently launched the new Velocity Advantage Program for the Tier-2 partner community, and believes that the simple strategy behind the program is particularly applicable to the New Zealand marketplace. In addition, EMC has launched two incentive programs through distributor Datastor to boost opportunities for partners.  The EMC CLARiiON AX4 incentive program provides the opportunity to earn up to $500 with every pre-approved, entry-level AX4 bundle sold until 30 June, 2008.  The EMC VMware Bounty Program encourages partners to sell EMC and VMware together to earn an additional 5% rebate until 30 June, 2008.“The Tier-1 and Tier-2 community is becoming commoditised,” said David Webster, President of EMC for Australia and New Zealand.  “An EMC and VMware focus allows enablement of the channel to regain what’s been lost through commoditisation of the storage and server market.”While EMC’s overarching Velocity Program is open to all global partners, the new Velocity Advantage Program is specific to ANZ.  Vivienne Larsen, EMC’s NZ Channel Manager, believes the new program to be both compelling and comprehensive.  “For me, this year is about building these partnerships.”There are certification and accreditation requirements to the Velocity Advantage Program, but Larsen is confident that these requirements have been made as easy to complete as possible.  The program is scheduled to run throughout 2008, and will be reviewed at the end of the year.