D-Link Expands Channel VIP Partner Program To Deliver Added Value And Incentives

Successful Program Awarded Five Star Rating by CRN's Partner Program Guide

D-Link, the end-to-end networking solutions provider for consumers, businesses, and service providers, recently announced significant enhancements to its successful VIP (Value In Partnership) Partner Program for the channel including aggressive rebates, upfront discounts and lead referrals.

The enhancements to the VIP Partner Program are based on feedback received from current partners and are designed to enrich the D-Link business experience, making it seamless and rewarding. The updates are centered on VIP Level Requirements, the Volume Incentive Rebate (VIR) Program, enhancing the existing Deal Registration program to offer front-end discounts, and new program additions such as a D-Link GovEd Discount Program, and Technology Specializations.

"We were looking for a channel partner that would deliver high-performance networking solutions at competitive prices, complete with the technical support often required in extensive implementations, and D-Link fit the bill," said Kevin Dowdy, vice president, Beacon Solutions, a Louisville, Ky., solutions provider. "We were considering a higher priced competitor, but after talking with D-Link, we rolled out an innovative wireless infrastructure into a national hotel chain, and have since implemented D-Link wireless solutions into three hotels with a fourth in process."

Following are some of the enhancements being made to the VIP Partner Program:

VIP Levels
The VIP Partner Program levels are clearly defined, allowing end users to find the most appropriate channel partner to meet their technology and system design needs. At the same time, D-Link provides channel partners with the tools needed to differentiate themselves against competitors and position their market value as a D-Link partner. To ensure end users are confident that their D-Link partner truly delivers top D-Link core product solutions, requirements for Silver and Gold levels have been refined to specify Switching and Wireless in the training requirements.

• Registered
  Partners who enroll in the program automatically become Registered partners and will have access to restricted D-Link information and resources. Registered partners enjoy significant benefits including a very rich Deal Registration program, eligibility for special pricing on competitive bids, access to the online Partner Portal and training center, and access to exclusive promotions and discounts, including the D-Link Rewards points program.
• Silver Level
  Silver-level partners demonstrate a solid understanding of D-Link's Switching and Wireless products, and D-Link works closely with these partners to deliver best-in-class solutions. These partners receive all Registered benefits, plus earn a quarterly VIR up to 7 percent, are eligible for sales leads, can attend a quarterly product roadmap briefing, and are eligible for a unique Bounty Program that pays a rebate when a Registered Deal does not come to fruition.
• Gold Level
  D-Link Gold partners are the most highly trained and certified partners on Wireless and Switching products, capable of delivering complex D-Link solutions and are fully engaged with D-Link to ensure customer satisfaction. In addition to all Registered and Silver benefits, Gold-level partners earn the highest VIR – up to 10 percent – have top priority for sales leads, and are eligible for the new D-Link Partner Council.

Technology Specializations
The VIP Partner Program also offers "Technology Specializations," allowing partners to differentiate themselves and demonstrate proficiency within a specific product technology outside of D-Link's core products, such as data storage or IP surveillance. Partners with technology specializations will receive priority access to leads and 5 percent upfront discounts on products in their specialization category, as well as special branding as a technology "preferred" partner.

• Storage Preferred
  Storage Preferred partners are thoroughly trained and aligned with D-Link on complete storage solutions. Benefits include an upfront discount on storage products, priority access to storage sales leads, and D-Link branding for differentiation in the market.
• IP Surveillance Preferred
  Coming in Q2 2011, this will provide similar benefits as the Storage Preferred program for partners who specialize on our IP Surveillance products and solutions.

Deal Registration
D-Link's existing Deal Registration program is being enhanced to move the discount to the front-end, making the discount more immediate. Further, the actual discount amounts are enhanced so that all VIP partners qualify for the same discount amounts, which will be tiered based on deal size; 6 percent off MSRP discounts for deals between $5,000 and $20,000; and 10 percent off MSRP discounts for deals over $20,000.

GovEd Discount Program
Partners who sell to Government or Education institutions will now receive a 5 percent upfront discount when purchasing from distribution. The discount applies to all D-Link business solutions products and is available exclusively to D-Link VIP Partners.

"With this newly enhanced Partner Program, D-Link reaffirms its commitment to channel partners, ensuring they have the most up-to-date information and resources on D-Link products, which in turn will provide more value to their customers," said Steve Ryan, director of North America Channel Programs for D-Link. "Being awarded the CRN five-star rating is not only a tremendous accomplishment, but it also underscores the strength and benefits of the Program."

For additional information on CRN's Partner Program Guide, visit http://www.crn.com. The guide was published in the March 28 issue.

About D-Link
D-Link is the global leader in connectivity for home, small business, mid- to large-sized enterprise environments, and service providers. An award-winning designer, developer, and manufacturer, D-Link implements and supports unified network solutions that integrate capabilities in switching, wireless, broadband, storage, IP Surveillance, and cloud-based network management. For more information, visit www.dlink.com.

SOURCE: D-Link Systems, Inc.