AT&T is planning to invest $300 million into its partner channel through 2016. The spending is intended to drive more Application Programming Interface (API) development and to enhance a suite of programs and services to speed up solution providers’ transformation from traditional upfront sales compensation to a recurring revenue stream, the company said.
AT&T also announced agreements with GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance, Wells Fargo Capital Finance and AT&T Capital Services Inc. to help solution providers in the AT&T Partner Exchange reseller program to strengthen their working capital and grow their business.
“Response to AT&T Partner Exchange has been overwhelmingly positive – it’s all about collaboration and innovation between AT&T and resellers,” said Brooks McCorcle, president of emerging business markets at AT&T. “We learned early on that mutual success is driven by a solution provider’s ability to serve their customers end-to-end.”
New technology, programs and services within the program include:
- APIs that allow solution providers to access and manage networking capabilities to help them reduce cycle times, be more efficient, decrease operating costs and add value to their custom solutions.
- A multimedia training platform that includes a certification program, digital learning paths and onsite leader-led sessions through collaboration with Deloitte and the NetExam Partner Learning Management System.
- Third-party billing and taxation solutions from BillSoft and SureTax
- Market development funds and resources, including dedicated marketing consultants and self-serve tools.
“AT&T is accessible to solution providers – from people to processes. Their responsiveness reinforces their commitment to our success,” said Scott Madison, president of Reno, Nevada-based Network Services. “We’ve grown our business significantly through the program, and expect to see continued growth this year.”
