Skype Launches Channel Partner Program in the U.S.
Certified VARs and system integrators to provide installation, configuration, and support services to Skype’s business customers.
The Skype Channel Partner Program was recently created to help businesses looking to use Skype for their collaboration and communication needs. The goal of the program is to establish a qualified network of channel partners in the United States that can assist companies interested in using Skype.†
Through the Skype Channel Partner Program, qualified partners will receive training, sales and marketing collateral, customer tracking and reporting tools, as well as support and account management from Skype. Once trained and certified by Skype, partners will provide their own consulting, installation, configuration, maintenance, and support services to business customers that wish to use Skype’s business solutions, including the Skype Business Client, Skype Manager, and Skype Connect.
“We believe that small, medium, and large businesses are looking for cost-effective, integrated real-time communications and collaboration solutions,” says David Gurlé, vice president and general manager of Skype for Business. “Our certified Skype Channel Partners will advise and guide them on how to strategically adopt Skype for Business Solutions and get the most out of using them within their organizations.”
Channel Partners will help businesses set up Skype and buy and use Skype products. For example, they will help Skype Manager customers use and manage the Skype Business Client on their desktop and mobile phones via business accounts, or connect their existing PBX or unified communications (UC) systems to Skype using Skype Connect. Partners may also sell third-party hardware and software for use with Skype. However, partners will not resell any Skype products to customers; all Skype products will be bought directly from Skype.
Skype will also work with manufacturers of the IP-enabled PBX and UC systems that have already been certified as interoperable with Skype Connect to introduce the Skype Channel Partner Program to their existing channel partners.†
Skype can be downloaded onto computers, mobile phones, and other connected devices for free at www.skype.com.†
