Training and certification, extended partner levels and financial support are amongst a number of proactive initiatives announced by Extreme Networks as it looks to support its partners and customs through the global COVID-19 crisis.
"During the current conditions, being able to adapt and align with the market reality and changeable expectations will be key for all businesses," says Julian Critchlow, general manager, Australia and New Zealand at Extreme Networks.
"To give our partners and customers the flexibility and support they need to continue to execute on their current plans, we have undertaken a number of proactive initiatives," he explains.
Training and Certification
Extreme Networks will offer free online cloud technical certification training for customers and partners through to the end of July 2020.
The courses would normally cost around US$1500 and content covers WLAN fundamentals, ExtremeWireless technologies and ExtremeCloud IQ - Extreme Network's fourth-generation cloud management platform, which the company had just announced now has rapidly expanded coverage and capability.
Partner Levels
"For existing partners, we have extended all current partner levels through to the end of December 2020, with the next levelling reviews not until January 2021," says Critchlow.
"Partners can still upgrade their partner level during this period, but there will be no downgrades. We have also introduced more flexibility for partners to earn rewards, certifications and rebates," he says.
The partner level training requirements, which were announced in October 2019, will now be pushed out from March to the end of June.
"In recognition of current market conditions, we will grant alleviations regarding training compliance on a case-by-case basis," says Critchlow. "For existing partners, Extreme is extending all Active Specialisations and Master Specialisations, and all Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA) requirements will be waived both until the end of September 2020."
Financial Support
"We are also helping resellers and their customers with flexible methods for acquiring technology with a raft of measures on the financial front," Critchlow says.
"With our approach to technology purchasing and the finance options we have for CAPEX, OPEX and subscriptions, we are offering our partners the most amenable terms possible. This offer is open to all new partners and their customers as well," he explains.
"We are offering flexible payment options, with a chance to defer until the start of July 2020. Extreme Capital Solutions is also prepared to provide monthly, quarterly or annual terms.
"We are also making a 0% finance offer available to those concerned about current pressures on cashflow. This can be combined with the payment deferment option for maximum financial flexibility."