HP Boost Networking Channel Program

Hewlett-Packard Co. recently added elements to its PartnerOne and ExpertOne program, including financial incentives, training, education and upgrades to its trade-in program aimed at improving margins for channel partners selling the vendor’s networking gear.

The vendor said that its new Professional Networking Specialist is geared to help small channel partners up their networking margins by complying with pared down certification and sales requirements.

In addition, HP said that it has rebranded its Networking Elite badge to the new designation Advanced Networking Specialist. The certification offers channel partners the opportunity to improve margins with commitments to certain sales levels.

HP also said that its global academic program for certifications through the HP Institute will be available by 2014.

The vendor said that it has extended its trade-in Catalyst for Change program through 2012. The program offers channel partners up to 20 percent discounts from list price on HP switches, routers and wireless devices. Orders matched with a trade-in of comparable value from any vendor are eligible for the promotion with no limitation on deal size.

One channel partner, Denali Advanced Integration, a Redmond, WA-based HP channel partner, praised HP’s overall channel picture.

“HP enables us to deliver exceptional customer value through differentiated products, solutions and services,” said John Convery, Denali executive vice president, marketing.

HP’s PartnerOne program offers channel partners avenues to boost margins through discounts, growth accelerators and rebates. Its ExpertOne program is the umbrella for the vendor’s certifications.