Traditionally, the “V” in “Value-Added Reseller” had little to do with add-on products; rather, it reflected the value of the professional services that you – the partner – provide in making technology solutions and systems complete.
Infoblox recognizes that partners are instrumental in helping customers realize the full value of their technology investments and that professional services are the true profit drivers of partners’ businesses. Without professional services, many of our mutual customers would never realize the potential or total return on investment of their technology.
That’s why Infoblox proudly unveiled its new Professional Services Program for Partners at our annual AMS partner summit. Through this program, qualified Infoblox partners can deliver certified Infoblox services on their paper, with independent pricing, in support of their customers.
Infoblox developed the Professional Services Program for Partners with two objectives in mind:
- To ensure customers get the professional services they need to implement and maximize the value of Infoblox technologies properly
- To provide partners with another source of profitable revenue while creating a means for elevating account affinity to the partner
Infoblox believes in contributing to partner profitability. The professional services program is a means for helping you make more money with your own value proposition independent of Infoblox, as partners have full control over the process, timing, and price. The also allows partners to expand service offerings outside of Infoblox. Since DNS is the heartbeat of the network partners have the potential to become the first point of contact for all things digital.
The first iteration of the professional services program will focus on standard legacy platform installations based on Microsoft and BIND. Soon, we’ll add additional services, such as assessments; legacy-to-cloud migrations; and advanced legacy replacement services. The advanced program track will follow a modular approach, allowing partners to align add-on modules to their go-to-market plays.
To start, the program is available by invitation only. Infoblox is restricting the initiative to Platinum and Gold partners in good standing that have established professional services with defined operating practices.
While we know Infoblox partners have a strong knowledge of our DNS management and security products, we also recognize that partners need further training and mentoring. The professional services program requires that partners complete training requirements including prerequisite classes on Core DDI and a three-day in-classroom PS training that includes hands-on labs.
In addition, partners must complete two professional services engagements while being shadowed by Infoblox engineers. The shadowing is the final step in certifying your organization as competent in professional services.
Nothing of value comes without some level of investment. Infoblox does require partners to pay for the training and accreditation process, but we’re giving a lot back in return. The cost of the initial investment is bundled in Infoblox’s PS Activation Package that includes 80 hours of Professional Consulting Assistance that you can use any way you want. You can tap Infoblox to provide mentoring or direct guidance on project work, provide ad hoc assistance, and have Infoblox experts white glove or remotely shadow your project to offer guidance. Professional Consulting Assistance is our way of ensuring you get the best start on your Infoblox professional services package.
The Infoblox Professional Services Program is a journey that we’re starting together. We built this program with your input and support, and we expect the program to grow and evolve. Our objective, though, remains the same: to provide partners with opportunities that result in more satisfied customers. If we achieve that objective, the professional services program will deliver tremendous returns for everyone.
