Following the acquisition of IBM's x-server ranges, Lenovo has upgraded its One Channel partner programme by fully integrating the System x into it. This means that the partners with premium or Gold status can benefit from the contribution of all the Lenovo products they sell. Partners need to qualify for this status only once in order to reap the benefits which will accumulate across all business lines, it says. Also, the partners will have an opportunity to earn incentives on all business with a classification between PC and Enterprise business.
On the other hand, the new channel partners, who are already certified as competitors’ partners, will be granted a six-month probation period to participate in Lenovo’s One Channel programme without certification. After half a year, the successful partners will automatically become Lenovo’s certified partners.
Additionally, Lenovo has added System x server products to its Topseller line-up, which will be available through the authorised distribution network. This will, it says, help expand its business via channel as well as simplify reseller’s business.
With the upgrades in the channel programme, Lenovo hopes to expand its presence in the value-added solution and SMB segment, it says. The growth will be supported by offering the partners incremental rebates and accelerators, the company says.
“The channel is at the heart of delivering our remarkable run of results across EMEA. Our partners, which represent 95% of our total business, have helped us to reach an all-time PC share of 19.7% in EMEA. We not only offer partners the most complete portfolio of any vendor in the market today – from smartphone to tablets, PCs and Enterprise infrastructure offerings – but are committed to keep on growing together. This makes a vendor of choice with the best growth and profit potential in this sector. As we enter a new phase of growth there is an even greater opportunity ahead for partners as we fully integrate the System x business into our channel model – an opportunity for shared success where partners are the critical factor in achieving our ambitions of 18% share of revenue in System x in EMEA and $5 billion worldwide revenue,” says VP of products and Channels, Lenovo EMEA, Vincent Fauquenot.