EDITOR ’ S QUESTION
IFS using single tier , five category , partner programme
Luis Ortega at IFS gives an overview of the opportunities for regional channel partners and partner programme .
As an ERP application vendor , implementation depends on ecosystem of partners . Give us an overview of market opportunities and partner programme for regional channel partners
ensure maximum benefit from an instance of IFS Applications and related products .
Technology partners These companies provide technology and infrastructure to support the deployment of IFS Applications . They provide hardware and software technology components upon which IFS solutions operate .
IFS offers its customers a strong , unified application suite environment , direct sales channel and knowledgeable services teams and consultants .
Some of the roles that IFS partners are expected to play include :
• By providing services that deliver local domain expertise
• By providing services to augment IFS capabilities for large and complex projects
• By providing services for periods of peak demand
• By supporting IFS applications technology stack , allowing IFS to drive value with open , non-proprietary standards
• By offering complementary software and hardware extensions that add value to IFS products and fit customer needs
Partners and partner candidates tend to be industry IT specialist companies who have strong existing relationships with companies in their chosen sectors and regions . The scale of these partners can vary from small local businesses to large regional or global consultancies .
Luis Ortega is Managing Director for Middle East , Africa and South Asia at IFS
IFS has five different streams that partners can select to work with including : Channel partners These partners distribute IFS Applications , typically in geographies where IFS has limited direct presence .
Referral partners Industry and local market insiders who alert IFS to pending opportunities . They can benefit from their connections and market knowledge . This is open to existing IFS partners or those simply in a position to refer new customers to IFS .
Service partners These are management consultancies , system integrators , consulting houses , contractors and support organisations . They enhance and expand the ability to
Independent software vendors These partners enhance , expand or complement the software capabilities offered by IFS Applications and related products .
In the Middle East and Africa region , IFS has appointed select local partners such as Envecon , ProV International , ISYX Tech , Sela Digital and Krish IT , Computech , and Yellowtail , to name a few . IFS works with global partners such as Accenture , Infosys , Microsoft , and is a platinum partner with Oracle . Most customers can find an IFS partner through our web site . To help customers , IFS channel partners are certified through the IFS Academy , showcasing their expertise in IFS Applications .
There are no exclusive geographic rights given to the IFS partner programme . However , leads and accounts are allocated and managed closely by only one IFS partner or by IFS directly to avoid conflict .
IFS has regional offices in strategic cities across the Middle East and Africa region . IFS partners operate both close to and remotely located from these offices as IFS encourages a healthy partnership approach to business development , sales , implementation and maintenance . This ensures that partners can operate successfully in any sub-region .
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