Samsung launches business partner program

Electronics giant Samsung has launched a business partner program, dubbed STEP, or Samsung Team of Empowered Partners to run in conjunction with its previously established range of partner programs.

According to Samsung, the idea of the business partner program is to allow partners to better integrate Samsung solutions into their product and solution portfolios.

The STEP program has three tiers, Platinum, Gold and Silver, awarded depending on revenue and certification achieved. The company also launched a dedicated business desk to support STEP partners with queries, deals, bid registration and pricing.

Along with the business desk, Samsung also indicated it has set up a field force of partner business managers. These managers specialise in IT solutions, along with mobility and print.

“The STEP Program for Business Partners enables partners to become part of a Samsung eco-system with Solution Partners, Strategic Partners and Service Partners to create tightly integrated end-to-end solutions, empowering partners to develop and optimise new business opportunities,” said Andre Obradovic, director for enterprise and SMB, Samsung Electronics Australia, in a statement.

The Business Partner Program is one of the four components that encompass’ the Samsung Team of Empowered Partners (STEP) initiative, others include Solution Partners, Strategic Partners and Service Partners combined together form the Samsung Partner eco-system.

Within the STEP program for Business Partners there are three tiers (Platinum, Gold & Silver). Early this year, we set-up the Partner & Alliances Business Group headed by Natasha Datos to develop a framework to go-to-market with our partners. Our approach is to work with partners in an integrated manner to deliver solutions for customers. Our enterprise business in Australia is 100% partner driven and fulfilled.

Samsung is underwriting the program with rewards for revenue, along with marketing collateral, as well as training on topics such as installation, configuration and troubleshooting.

Marketing development funds have also been allocated. It is anticipated by Samsung that partners will be able to develop enterprise solutions around mobility, business applications, virtualisation, collaboration; unified communications and productivity utilising Samsung technology.

Samsung's push into the business solutions market comes in response to arch rival Apple's massive installed base of mobile devices in the corporate market, a position the US company is eager to capitalise on.