Oracle revamps partner program

11.10.2009
Oracle will announce significant changes to its partner program on Sunday, at the start of its annual OpenWorld conference.

The new Oracle PartnerNetwork Specialized will see partners slotted into one of four categories, determined partly by their level of specialization with particular Oracle technologies

The new system aims to help partners showcase their skills and in turn make it easier for customers to find the right help they need, said Judson Althoff, senior vice president of worldwide alliances and channels.

The system will be put in place Dec. 1, and all partners will have to migrate to it. Early adopters will get a discount on membership fees, according to Oracle.

The entry-level "remarketer" designation will enable partners to resell Oracle's SMB products through the 1-CLICK program. No contract or fees will be required, and partners will get access to online training resources and sales tools.

At the Silver level, which centers on 1-CLICK products as well, partners get better training options, development licenses and other features.