Sun expands its software channel program

The company claims it has expanded its software channel program to leverage the market momentum behind its leading software products.

This includes its open source powerhouses GlassFish application server, MySQL database, OpenSolaris operating system and xVM VirtualBox.

According to Sun, it wants ‘to provide partners with new ways to reach new customers, open new markets and grow their businesses’.

“Channel partners play a very important role in supporting our customers' needs around the world and with these new programs we're making sure that they are equipped with the right products to drive expansion into current and new markets," said Jesse Chavez, vice president, Global Partner Sales, Sun Microsystems.

"The Open Access Program and Software Specialties are game-changers for both resellers who simply want easier access to sell Sun software and current Sun Partners that want to expand their software and service delivery practices," Chavez added.

Sun claims Open Access makes it easier for new and existing channel partners to sell its software with little up-front investment, while the Software Specialties provide partners ‘with the tools they need to expand their high-value integration services practices’ around Sun's software solutions and grow their revenue.

Software Specialties focus on providing integration and consulting services to solve customers' business problems including the need to quickly develop new applications, run them more securely, connect with more customers, protect user identities and provide a more flexible infrastructure for their company's growth.

It lets partners sell and deploy customer solutions around Sun software, including identity management, Service Oriented Architecture (SOA), open storage, Sun xVM Ops Centre, xVM Virtual Desktop Infrastructure and MySQL.

"Through the Identity Management Specialty, Sun has developed a program that recognises our expertise and the value that we can bring to the ecosystem," said Brian Brannigan, managing director, Agreon, a Sun Partner Advantage member based in Australia.

"By providing the content, tools and support to enhance our business, our customers are the ultimate winners. Sun's open source approach takes this to a new level by significantly reducing the barriers to both entry and exit," he added.

The Open Access Channel Program gives resellers a ‘no barrier’ to entry option for gaining access to Sun's software portfolio.

New resellers can grow their businesses by expanding their product portfolios to include Sun software solutions.

Distributors can grow their businesses by recruiting and cultivating new partner relationships and existing partners who have already invested in Sun software will continue to receive program benefits that are available only to Sun Partner Advantage Program participants.

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