Oracle Remakes Channel Program to Stress Differentiation, Expertise

New support centers

Oracle also has combined its various call center options under a single umbrella called the Oracle Partner Business Center, which replaces its regional centers. The support vehicle is available around the clock to all Oracle partners worldwide either by telephone, email or the vendor’s new Twitter account.

“We are heavily invested to help partners better engage with Oracle in a consistent manner around the world,” Althoff said.

The four Business Centers will deliver tiered support in three levels—Silver, Gold and Platinum. Silver support consists of free inbound calls and email assistance, Gold includes outbound engagements and Platinum encompasses dedicated account management.

The vendor also has made available, under the Oracle Exadata Partner Program, its Oracle Database Machines and Sun Oracle Exadata Storage Servers for channel partners to sell. According to Oracle’s external price list, Exadata Database Machine full rack hardware prices range from $110,000 to $1.15 million, with configurations at $350,000 and $650,000.

Partners must be enrolled in the Oracle PartnerNetwork with a distribution agreement to sell the Oracle Exadata line. The vendor is encouraging solution providers to construct business intelligence and data warehousing practices and develop vertical industry expertise in retail, financial services, communications, healthcare and the public sector around the Exadata products.

“This new program allows partners to expand their portfolios and participate with us to help increase the ecosystem of solutions and services for Oracle Exadata,” Althoff said. “As we ramp us this program, partners will be able to certify themselves for the Oracle Exadata Specialization in OPN.”

Oracle said it will unveil a new Oracle Exadata Specialization by December 1.