COVID-19 Relief: Microsoft, Dell, IBM, HP, HPE, More

Call it a special COVID-19 relief edition of our monthly new and changing channel programs update.

Most of the 12 snippets you’re about to read involve pandemic relief packages from some of the biggest names in the channel.

Take IBM, for instance. Big Blue’s response measures address its partner program, competencies, cloud and artificial intelligence. And IBM’s rivals are getting in on the act as well. Dell Technologies is offering cash-flow assistance, as well as on-demand training and certification opportunities.

But that’s not all from the big IT vendors. Cisco, too, is giving its partners and customers a lifeline. Cisco’s Business Resiliency Program, offered through Cisco Capital, includes $2.5 billion and a 90-day payment holiday.

If COVID-19 relief isn’t your thing, don’t worry. We will update you on Poly’s new partner program. The company says it combines the best of the old Polycom and Plantronics programs under one umbrella. And ConnectWise introduced a new cybersecurity training program for partners that targets owners, sales pros and engineers.

We lined up a dozen descriptions of new and changing channel programs in the gallery below. And remember, you can always keep up on the latest channel-program happenings by visiting our page dedicated to the topic. Our sister site, Channel Futures, has one too.

If you missed our gallery dedicated to channel program changes in March, it’s here!