SAP Launches Partner Recognition Process Based on New Competency Framework
SAP is the latest to start recognizing partners based on skills and success, and new tiering.
September 6, 2022
SAP has begun rolling out a new partner recognition process that determines status based on customer outcomes. The new SAP PartnerEdge Competency Framework, has been in the works for more than two years.
The move marks a significant shift in how SAP ranks its partners. It’s replacing its traditional gold, silver and medallion logos. The new partner tiers are essential, advanced and expert.
SAP’s new partner recognition program comes as many IT providers take similar actions. Notably, Microsoft is changing how it designates its partners — and has faced backlash. The new Microsoft Cloud Partner Program will also phase out gold and silver designations. But Microsoft’s new program also raises the bar on the technical competency that its partners must meet.
SAP’s Beth Glastetter
Beth Glasstetter, SAP’s senior director of partner programs, has led development of the new partner recognition process. She said partners won’t find SAP’s new designations disruptive. Similarly, SAP will recognize partners based on customer performance, considering the maturity of their practices, skills and success.
“This is not changing a requirement but an additional designation that’s meaningful to customers,” Glassteter told Channel Futures. “Think of it as more as a carrot to generate and motivate [partners’] behavior, where they’re meeting these requirements. And then we are automatically awarding them these designations.”
When a partner meets the new designations, the new logos appear in the new Partner Finder tool. Partners must still have certifications in specializations, Glassteter noted.