New Pansonic i-Pro Channel Program Rewards Sales, Certifications
Panasonic has developed new Certified Gold and Certified Silver levels for VARs, as well as i-Pro Regular for partners only selling analog products, according to the Secaucus, N.J.-based company.
Certified Gold partners will receive quarterly cash awards based on i-PRO purchase volume, marketing and sales support, priority technical and engineering support. Gold partners also receive marketing and sales support that includes a priority lead referral program, a listing in Panasonic's reseller locator, and a possible invitation to servie on Panasonic's reseller council. In addition, Gold partners receive special pricing assistance, special conversion pricing for specifying Panasonic products, and in-house demo equipment at a lower cost. Technical resources support at the Gold level includes dedicated sales engineering, priority access to inside sales support and free certification training.
Certified Silver partners are based on a lower purchase volume and eligible in-house demo equipment at lower cost and special bid pricing for recommending Panasonic i-Pro products against a competing brand.
Panasonic will offer incentives to its new analog i-Pro Regular reseller level to become Gold or Silver partners based on future purchase volume and completion of certification requirements, according to the company.
Panasonic did not detail the minimum volume requirements or training or certification requirements for each level in its release but the company said purchase levels are reviewed on a quarterly basis and solution providers are eligible to move up a level by achieving the required purchase performance in two consecutive quarters.
"[This is] a way to bring our ongoing alliance with resellers to the next level," said Craig Greenwood, vice president of sales at Panasonic System Networks, in a statement. "We recognize it is vital to work hand-in-hand with our resellers to maximize the business benefits of Panasonic's products, and our new program provides exciting opportunities for resellers to reach new levels of success in the marketplace. Our continuing emphasis on certification and training also ensures that end-user customers will benefit from knowledgeable and helpful staff to serve their needs when dealing with Panasonic resellers."
Panasonic's current Security Systems partners can apply for consideration as an i-PRO Certified Reseller by committing to fulfill the certification process within six months, including completion by a full- time sales employee and a full-time technical support employee of a Panasonic-sponsored or sanctioned training program in networking and i-Pro product systems, according to the company.