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Online Distribution Ltd, already a Zebra Distributor for the past 3 years covering the GCC region, has received the Authorised Zebra Distributor status under the programme.
PartnersFirst is a continually evolving scheme, designed to offer more opportunities as new products and technologies become available. The programme recognises three tiers of direct resellers: Premier Partners, Advanced Partners and Associate Partners. These core categories are complemented with programme sub-tracks that reward excellence in specific areas, such as RFID and Zebra supplies.
It also recognises the support that resellers who buy through distribution expect. These partners will benefit from working with a local distributor while maintaining a relationship with Zebra for sales, marketing, training and technical support. Zebra resellers can enjoy some preferential sales and marketing benefits over other second tier resellers in order to encourage the growth of Zebra business. Such benefits include the receipt of a proportion of leads that Zebra's corporate marketing department generates throughout the year.
PartnersFirst recognises the different skills and commitment offered with Zebra's vast partner community. The reward mechanism will encourage partners to invest in Zebra's business.
According to Paul Garner, Zebra Technology's Dubai based Regional Sales Manager for the Middle East, India and South Africa:
"PartnersFirst will provide a foundation for a consistent and transparent partner programme across the EMEA region. It aims to define and recognise channel partner value as well as enable margins that encourage partner investment in Zebra."
"Structure is always a key business driver", said Venu Menon, divisional director at Online Distribution, "The PartnersFirst Program has assisted to consolidate Online's relationship with Zebra Technologies and the Channel Partner Community. Partner First also differentiates distributors from direct resellers with a specific authorized reseller track buying through distributor This tool now enables Online Distribution to recruit fresh channel partners with Zebra recognition."
Another advantage to the PartnersFirst Program is it's ability to manage and resolve channel conflicts on opportunities and pricing. The partners enrolled in the program can enjoy some preferential sales and marketing benefits over other second tier resellers. Some of the advantages are training, lead allocation, and access to an account manager within their local market to help facilitate sales of Zebra products.
"Zebra's determination to change how its partners are supported and rewarded will benefit the channel and will help Online Distribution support the reseller community", added Mr Garner.
All existing partners have until the end of 2006 to apply for accreditation under the Partners First programme.
Posted by Anne-Birte Stensgaard, Senior News Editor
