Red Hat enhances partner program

Red Hat is rolling out a series of updates to its partner program, including an introduction of a cloud module, developed specifically to support Red Hat Certified Cloud and Service Providers (CCSPs).

Existing CCSP partners are now included in the global Red Hat Partner Program, with program points awarded based on the CCSP offering as well as other program activities such as training, GTM efforts, technical expertise and more.

Qualified Cloud Service Providers new to Red Hat may apply via the cloud module to gain access to the CCSP offer. 

Next year, Red Hat is also expanding the skills requirements for the Ready tier of the Red Hat Partner Program, adding a technical sales credential to the entry standard.

Beginning January 2027, partners in the Ready tier must have at least one technical seller credential, in addition to two seller credentials, in order to retain their Ready tier eligibility. For partners dedicated to growing their collaboration with Red Hat, this paves the way for easier access to enablement resources, support and co-selling opportunities, the company claims.

Red Hat has also separated its marketing funds from sales incentives. Partners can now unlock dedicated Market Development Funds (MDF) built explicitly to drive demand generation and market awareness for cloud initiatives.

The company's updated incentives portfolio introduces enhanced deal registration and stackable rebates that reward your team for the complete lifecycle, including pre-sales engagements and architectural workshops. 

In addition, Red Hat is introducing Lifecycle Intelligence – a modern web experience that helps partners review renewal opportunities, track performance, spot risk, and identify growth opportunities – available now through Red Hat Partner Connect.

With this tool, partners can benefit from an enhanced view of pipeline trends and risk profiles, more in-depth performance retention insights, and more. 

Coming soon is also a new Partner Directory that will make it easier to find affiliated Red Hat partners, build connections, and collaborate across Red Hat’s ecosystem. 

At the start of the year, Red Hat also updated its partner program, providing a structure that prioritises co-investment to drive profitability across core business areas for partners.