Telstra launches partner program for SME sector

Telco giant Telstra has amped up its appeal to the SME market with an accreditation program to further boost the standard of information and communications technology (ICT) solutions offered to small to medium enterprise (SME) customers by Telstra’s channel partners.

The Telstra Business Accreditation Program is to help partners deal with the fast-changing nature of ICT services in the SME sector.

Telstra CEO, Sol Trujillo said the Telstra Business Channel Partner Accreditation program would identify and support channel partners that shared Telstra’s vision to provide professional business solutions.

"Our customers want integrated services and applications and this program will help us deliver that locally. We are taking the game to the next level - seeking to enhance, improve and create more professional customer relationships through accredited channel partners,” he said.

Deena Shiff Telstra Business Group managing Director said better training and increasing the channel’s capability will lead to greater customer satisfaction, more sales and more repeat business.

Channel partners that become accredited members of the program reap several rewards including differential branding.

“The differentiated accreditation branding partners can post in their stores is clearly flagging to customers that this store is going to best serve my business needs be they large or small,” Shiff said.

Telstra resellers will also be cable to get preferential access to Telstra Business customer leads and teaming opportunities; Competitive Intelligence information from Telstra Business; Preferential access to new Telstra Business initiatives (piloting of new products); and A Telstra Business marketing cooperative fund, under the program said Shiff.

However some of the accreditation criteria for channel partners to begin training includes a review of the applicant’s business plan for servicing small to medium businesses, the nature of their retail or business to business customer engagement and the level of support they provide small business customers, she said.