Partner Trends #032
Your weekly source for news in the world of channel partners, strategic alliances, and partnerships.
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Around the Industry
Microsoft announced that it would acquire AT&T’s Network Cloud technology and platform engineering talent. As part of a strategic alliance, AT&T will move its 5G mobile network to Microsoft’s Azure for Operators cloud platform. With this move, Microsoft will also gain access to AT&T’s intellectual property and technical expertise to grow its telecom offering as it assumes responsibility for both software development and deployment of AT&T’s existing network cloud.
HPE announced that it would acquire Zerto, a global leader in cloud management and protection, for $374 million as it looks to expand HPE GreenLake. Zerto currently has over 9,000 customers and 350 managed service providers in its network. The acquisition of Zero will significantly accelerate HPE’s transformation to become a leading data management and protection provider.
2U, a global leader in education technology, announced would acquire edX, a leading online learning platform and education marketplace, for $800 million. Together, both companies have a combined reach of over 50 million global learners, serve more than 230 partners, and offer over 3,500 digital programs from the world’s top universities and corporations. The acquisition will give 2U and edX new opportunities to accelerate enterprise learning and create a more robust set of solutions designed to close talent gaps, create diverse talent pipelines, and upskill/reskill the global workforce.
Zebra Technologies, a leader in innovative front-line solutions, announced that it would acquire Fetch, a warehouse robotics firm, for $290 million. Zebra Technologies has been active lately in the industrial automation space by launching its own SmartSight inventory system and investment in Locus Robotics. The acquisition will give Zebra Technologies the ability to accelerate its vision and growth in the intelligent industrial automation industry by delivering new modes for workflow optimization and operational efficiency.
Partner Program Announcements
Nozomi Networks, a leader in OT and IoT security, announced that it had enhanced its channel program to support a global network of partners. The new Nozomi Networks ADVantage partner program rewards top partners with generous profit margins. It will also include increased presales support, an improved deal registration process, advanced training and certification, and partner-exclusive demo access.
Reflect Systems, a provider of digital signage experiences, announced the launch of its new partner program. The Reflect Ovation partner program will allow hardware and service providers resources to better leverage its products. Partners in the program will gain access to training, joint marketing programs, consulting, creative assistance, and referral incentives.
Partnership Announcements
Ingram Micro Cloud and Partnerstack announced a partnership to launch a new program to help vendors drive revenue through partnerships. The Pinnacle Program will combine Partnerstack’s leading partnership platform with Ingram Micro Cloud’s global sales network of more than 55,000 resellers for SaaS businesses to accelerate revenue growth and scale. In addition, SaaS vendors who participate in the program will manage and scale their entire portfolio of channel programs into key channels.
Wejo, a global leader in vehicle data, announced strategic partnerships with Microsoft, Palantir Technologies, and Sompo Holdings to advance innovative applications of connected vehicle data across multiple industries such as smart city, fleet, insurance, automotive, and payments. Every day, Wejo collects more than 16 billion data points across a network of 11 million live vehicles from a supply base of more than 50 million connected vehicles.
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