During that time 8x8’s approach to the channel has developed and matured, driven by unparalleled experience of what it takes to establish a cloud based unified communications solution and changes in the UK business communications marketplace.
“In the early days it was about finding potential partners who were excited by VoIP and who were visionary enough to see the potential of the technology and the impact it would have on the future,” said Charles Aylwin Director, Channel and Public Sector, for 8x8 Solutions.
As the technology and acceptance of the cloud has developed and the market moved past the early adoption phase, 8x8’s focus was on the development of great tools, collateral and incentive schemes to make it easy for its channel partners to close deals with 8x8’s cloud-based unified communications, contact centre and collaboration solutions.
“We did this well, but we knew that investment in these types of channel resources alone wasn’t quite delivering what our channel partners needed to ensure they could be as successful and productive as possible,” continued Aylwin.
So at the beginning of 2013 8x8 Solutions designed and launched its 8x8 Solutions’ Academy. The Academy is unique as it gives 8x8’s channel partners comprehensive training which covers all aspects of a cloud-based unified communications business from technology to product, applications and development of solutions, as well as how best to utilise 8x8’s partner portal and to improve and enhance existing sales techniques.
“The feedback we’ve had from our partners is that the 8x8 Solutions’ Academy is unique in the industry because it focuses on so much more than just product. It delivers a complete programme which covers how to implement a cloud based unified communications business, and its 10 modules are available to all of our channel partners,” said Dan Barrett, 8x8 Solutions’ Academy Principal explained. “This is a critical investment by 8x8 Solutions as we don’t charge for this training which is run a on a full time basis. But, we receive great return on the investment as we have some of the best prepared and most productive partners in the industry!”
"Over the years we have found 8x8 Solutions' Academy of huge value. It enables us to really understand where and how 8x8's unified communications, contact centre and collaboration solutions fit within today's ever evolving business environment. This understanding means that we can exactly meet the business communications needs of our customers today and importantly their needs in the future. From a revenue perspective that's a win win situation for everyone," said Keith Purves, Joint Managing Director of IP Solutions.