Nokia Siemens Networks Launches Post-Merger Channel Partner Program

By Cara Sievers

Nokia Siemens Networks (NSN) announced a broad Channel Partner Program, extending its reach into new customers and markets worldwide. The new program replaces the programs operating under former Nokia Networks and former Siemens prior to the joint venture, NSN.

Peter Kühne, who will lead the NSN channel program in the newly created position, head of indirect sales, said one of the goals of the channel program is to add new partners to the existing group. Some partners simply resell NSN products, while others add value through systems integration and solution enhancements. Kühne said NSN aims to recruit more of the latter.

“Competition is fierce in the telecoms industry and we see a clear need to use various business models to ensure our market vision of 5 billion connected by 2015,” said Kühne.

Partners were introduced to the program at the NSN sales partner event in Vienna last month. Program benefits include online access to technical, sales, marketing and branding materials and support, as well as a complete training catalog and dedicated professional sales support personnel. All sales partners must undergo strict certification in order to ensure full compliance with the company’s business and ethical requirements.

“Today, the ability to develop market segment-specific solutions that truly respond to customers’ business challenges depends heavily on collaboration with partners who are experts in these segments,” Kühne said. “This is why we have decided to set up a network of partners to complement our direct sales force.”