Lenovo introduces major enhancements to its channel partner programme

Lenovo is introducing new enhancements to its channel program to make it easier for partners to engage with Lenovo, with the aim of recruiting +5.000 partners this year in EMEA covered by the new Lenovo Channel Sales Center telesales team (LCSC). Partners will benefit from a number of improvements including a new entry level partner category, incremental incentive programmes, new instant pricing for distributors for very small deals and new DCG certifications.

In a competitive market Lenovo is constantly investing in creating business opportunities for the channel and generate more incentives and rebates for its partners. The company has made a substantial investment in two new demand generation engines fulfilled through the channel: Lenovo’s new Midmarket and Channel Sales Centre business organizations have dedicated teams of 170 telesales reps in EMEA to grow the SMB business by increasing Lenovo share in customers from 250 to 1000 employees and our coverage of the reseller channel.

In addition to this, Lenovo has launched a number of initiatives to generate more incentives and rebates for its partners:

·        New “Accredited” partner category that makes it easier to qualify for this new tier with access to instant rebates starting from the first dollar and direct access to Lenovo Sales Support.

·        New StarSeller incentive programme, a simple incremental bonus for selected models to leverage sales in key strategic product categories and segments that are driving industry growth.

·        Contest for new partner registrations with: prizes that can be won on a weekly basis by newly signed partners that meet a series of elements.

With critical focus on the channel and sales enablement of Data Center solutions, Lenovo is providing partners with the right know-how, capabilities and technical skills to benefit from the growth opportunities of Lenovo’s Data Center business.

The Lenovo Expert Achievers Programme (LEAP) provides learning, accreditations and rewards, whilst the new Data Center Group (DCG) certification offers a number of benefits. Partners can now achieve two Lenovo certifications – Lenovo Certified Data Center Sales Professional and Lenovo Certified Data Center Technical Sales Professional – by completing fast track workshops and virtual enablement sessions. A detailed Study Guide is available on the Lenovo Portal. Certified partners also gain additional benefits via LEAP.

Lenovo’s channel programme and strategy are constantly evolving to meet new partner requirements and industry dynamics. For that reason, Lenovo is implementing new smart and automated platforms and tools to make it easier to engage with Lenovo like the new instant pricing for distributors for very small deals or quantities integrated in their own e-commerce platforms.

Lenovo’s simplified ONE Channel Programme includes clear rebates schemes across the entire portfolio and a fully unified portal integrating a quick simple bid tool, smart marketing platforms, fast and easy deal registration and a valuable partner community via the Lenovo Partner Portal and LinkedIn.