Blue Coat invests $1m in channel incentives to fuel WAN optimization competitive evaluations

The program also offers incremental incentives to these channel partners for product evaluations that result in the sale of the Blue Coat WAN optimization solution.

"The $1m incentive program enables our partners to demonstrate this immediate time-to-value and fosters the consultative relationships required to help customers align their network investments with business requirements," said Nidal Taha, Middle East Regional Director of Blue Coat Systems.

Blue Coat has recently introduced a software upgrade for its ProxySG WAN optimization solution that simplifies deployment and enables partners to demonstrate immediate customer benefits through improved application performance.

The upgrade features an intelligent configuration wizard and auto-detection of network parameters that reduce configuration times to as little as one minute.

"The Blue Coat WAN optimization solution provides customers with true value by simplifying deployments to immediately improve application performance," said Kirsten McCrabb, vice president of worldwide channel and field marketing. "It also enables Blue Coat channel partners to focus on helping their customers get the most from their existing network investments rather than making additional expenditures on their network infrastructure."

In addition to the rewards program, the Blue Coat Channel Advantage program provides partners with the tools they need to become trusted advisors to their customers.

For example, the BlueBox Equipment Program offers channel partners the opportunity to purchase customer evaluation equipment at discounted prices.

The Blue Coat Online Learning Lab and BlueSource partner portal provide the training and technical and marketing resources that enable channel partners to successfully sell the Blue Coat Application Delivery Network infrastructure.

Additionally, the BlueTouch Support Partner program provides a value-added service that enables Blue Coat channel partners to work closely with customers on level 1 and level 2 support issues. Collectively, these programs enable Blue Coat channel partners to compete more effectively and to act as trusted advisors to their customers.