Platform9 Incorporates Kubernetes into Expanded Partner Program

**Editor’s Note: Click here for our most recent list of important channel-program changes you should know.**

Open-source-as-a-service company Platform9 has revamped and expanded its partner program to include its Kubernetes offering to meet growing demand for open cloud infrastructure.

The Platform9 Cloud Partner Program brings together a network of VARs to support a surge in demand for hybrid cloud offerings, the company said. It launched its inaugural partner program in May 2016.

Platform9’s George Vargas

George Vargas, Platform9’s director of channel sales, tells Channel Partners his company’s main goal with the new program is to “educate, enable and train our partners on our solution and to set them up for success.”

“Through training, certifications and ongoing support, we strive to make it easy for partners to work with Platform9,” he said. “The Platform9 cloud partners will be instrumental in the company’s go-to-market strategy. They are the trusted advisers to their clients. With Platform9 in their corner, our partners will be be able to lead instead of reacting to this growing hybrid cloud space. We are 100 percent committed to our partners’ success.”

In January, Platform9 launched Managed Kubernetes, an infrastructure-agnostic alternative to the Kubernetes service Google offers through its cloud platform.

Partners have an opportunity to grow their offerings quickly to address market needs without having to build out new teams and core services, Platform9 said. As cloud IT infrastructure spending reaches a projected $44 billion this year, resellers have a “significant opportunity to provide much needed services to their customers,” it said.

The program provides training and tools to deploy Platform9 Managed OpenStack and Managed Kubernetes offerings. Partners also can participate in a certification program for in-depth training on everything from identifying a potential private or hybrid cloud opportunity, to the best practices, deployment and management of Platform9’s open cloud solutions.

Platform9’s team of sales consultants will work closely with partners to ensure customer satisfaction, and ongoing support is available to provide a seamless transition for customers adopting Platform9’s services, the company said.

In June, Platform9 announced a $22 million Series C funding round to fuel global expansion, and boost its sales and marketing teams.

Platform9 has grown by 300 percent and it now has more than 60 customers.