Pure Storage unveils brand new global partner program

Enterprise flash storage company Pure Storage has announced the launch of a new partner program, which it says has been constructed to 'keep pace with the significant growth of the company'.

The new program will include new training, certifications, support and incentives for the company's global partner base.

The company says the program is scheduled to come into effect on the 1st of August 2018.

Pure Storage APJ channels and alliances director Dino Soepono says the program has been constructed to facilitate joint success with its partner ecosystem, which he describes as critical for the company's success.

"Pure has always been selective when choosing partners and this is why we have the best partners in the industry. The launch of the new Partner Program demonstrates our commitment to helping them grow and profit with the company," Soepono says.

"The new Partner Program has been designed to ensure they have the assets, resources and incentives to prosper with Pure Storage. The technology we offer makes us uniquely positioned to open up new opportunities for partners to capitalise on the artificial intelligence and machine learning boom.

Pure Storage says the design of the new partner program reflects its 100% channel business model

The company says it has made strategic investments in the tools and resources needed to achieve a partner program that attracts, enables and retains partners.

The program is designed to reward partners who build a Pure practice and lead with Pure in the market, with new features including the following.

The new program includes two tiers and is designed to enable partners of any size the ability to achieve top-tier status.

This includes a 'Preferred' tier, which is the entry-level tier for all partners, as well as the top tier 'Elite', which is invite only.

The Elite tier is based on partners successfully establishing a Pure practice that reflects their demonstrated sales and technical competency, business specialities and services, budgeted marketing plan, while meeting a minimum number of customers secured via the partner.

While partners will be evaluated for tiers annually, new Elite partners will receive a notification of their status in August.

A key enhancement to the program is the inclusion of standardised discounts and price lists, designed to allow partners to seamlessly source, secure and close opportunities independently.

Partners will also receive access to enhanced tools that enable them to provide proposals and quotes for Pure Storage-based solutions.

Pure will offer enhanced technical specialisation to all partners, with the completion of training opening up additional benefits.

The company debuted the Pure Storage Foundation Exam and the FlashArray Architect Exam during its Global Partner Forum at Pure//Accelerate 2018.

The program is set to roll out additional certifications throughout the year.

Speaking about the updated program as a whole, IDC program vice president for channels and alliances Steve White says, "Pure Storage's continued technology and business innovation are an example of its commitment to providing an advantage to their partners.

"These new enhancements to the Pure Partner Program are another example of this commitment and are going to provide real value and support for Pure's partners. This program is comprehensive and will incentivise partners to lead with Pure Storage.