Linksys unveils new channel program

Cisco-owned networking outfit Linksys launched Partner Connection, a program that offers authorised resellers a five percent discount on the vendor’s products.

Resellers that registered for the program at the Linksys website – www.linksys.com.au – would also receive discounts of up to 25 percent on Linksys demonstration equipment.

Partners would offer the company's range of data switches, Power-over-Ethernet switches, wireless devices, NIC cards and IP-PBX products.

Graeme Reardon, regional director for Linksys Australia and New Zealand, said the program operated under a “single-tier” model and partners were not required to commit to a revenue number.

Around 200 partners had pre-registered to join the program which also offered enhanced technical support services for members. Partners would receive a PIN for use on Linksys 1800 support number and their calls would escalating to tier 2 technical support, he said.

Partners would also be entitled to special pricing for education and government users, Reardon said.

Reardon stressed that the program was not open to e-commerce resellers selling products from a website without offering a level of service to the end customer.

Resellers buy Linksys products through distributors Ingram Micro, LAN Systems, Express Data and Multimedia Technology.