SAP and Nextgen launch dedicated Australian cloud channel

Enterprise software vendor SAP has partnered with Sydney-based distributor Nextgen in a bid to foster greater cloud adoption in the Australian IT industry.

The partnerships will see SAP offer a two-tier channel model to a dedicated channel established by Nextgen for the vendor’s portfolio of software, including SAP Business ByDesign, SAP S/4HANA Cloud and SAP SuccessFactors. Nextgen will also support existing SAP partners as they transition into the cloud and grow small to mid-sized business segments.

The deal marks SAP’s first two-tier channel model for its cloud portfolio globally.

Sumal Karu, general manager of SAP global channels and general business, said local partners had the skills to deliver great customer outcomes.

“When combined with the rapid adoption of cloud services among local enterprises, Australia is the ideal choice to launch SAP’s first two-tier cloud channel model,” he said.

Nextgen group chief executive John Walters said the deal would benefit the distributor’s local channel.

“The opportunity to collaborate with SAP represents a significant opportunity for Nextgen to support our channel partners further in their migration to cloud strategies,” he said.

“The combination of market demand and the exceptional cloud portfolio SAP brings to the table will enable us to help SAP partners develop new, thriving businesses and provide their customers with outstanding solutions.”

Nextgen will build a dedicated practice for SAP partners and offer related support, help driving new partner recruitment, manage relationships, providing licensing services and help generate demand around SAP products.

“Nextgen brings proven success in cloud and an extensive partner network to deliver the support and reach we sought for launching our world-first model in Australia,” Karu said. “Working together, we are demonstrating our shared commitment to helping local partners achieve their full potential – especially in a market segment where SAP is 100 percent committed to a cloud-only, indirect sales model.”