The scheme effectively provides credit on Azure services for a fixed period, allowing customers to try out the cloud platform before going live with specific workloads. The deal size for which PoC funding may be applicable is half the previous requirement, making it much more suited to smaller and mid-sized opportunities.
John-James Uezzell, Business Development Manager for Microsoft Azure at Tech Data, said: “We are really pleased to be able to offer this new proof-concept proposition. It is something that our Velocity Partners have been keen to explore and with the new lower threshold, it should help them to win even more new business with Azure.”
The need for the extended scheme is a result of the of the success partners are having with Azure sales, he continued. “The momentum behind Azure is growing and as our partners improve their sales and technical knowledge on Azure they are uncovering more opportunities. The new qualifying deal size will make it an option for many more smaller customers, so it’s a very welcome addition to the programme. We will do most of the set-up work, so it will be very simple for partners to access and use.”
Tech Data will manage most of the application process for partners. Initially, resellers will need to submit customer details and a business case. Once approved, a new Azure subscription will be set up by Tech Data’s Microsoft CSP (Cloud Solution Provider) programme team. PoCs or pilots can then be run for up to two months, with total consumption over the period limited to a value of $5000.
Tech Data’s Velocity programme is for Microsoft partners that want to start selling or increase their capability to offer Azure-based services. It provides training and support resources that enable them to develop the sales and technical skills needed to construct effective value propositions for Azure. The aim is to get partners to Silver Competency in Microsoft Cloud over a six-month period. The value of the programme to each partner is over £20,000.
More than 50 resellers have successfully embarked on the programme and several have already attained Silver Competency. Tech Data is looking to bring more Microsoft partners onto Velocity in 2018.