8x8 Expands Channel Strategy with Elev8 Partner Program

8×8, the cloud services provider, just rolled out its new Elev8 Partner Program with benefits targeting both master agents and subagents.

All current and future contracted partners will be enrolled in the program. It offers tiered levels of dedicated funds for lead generation and conversion, as well as customizable campaigns to reach prospects.

John DeLozier, 8×8’s channel chief, tells Channel Partners the program is the next phase in his company’s expanding channel strategy aimed at “delivering unmatched support and value for 8×8’s partner community.”

8×8’s John DeLozier

“Our program is unique because it gives our partners the flexibility to create tailored marketing programs to achieve the business outcome they need,” he said. “Our No. 1 goal is to create value for our partners. Over the past six months, the 8×8 channel team sought input from the partner community on new ways we can drive more business together. The resulting enhancements in our program give partners the best return because it incentivizes them to sell 8×8’s industry leading solutions with very little marketing investment on their end to generate pipeline. It’s a win-win.”

The new program also includes activities such as Elev8 blitz days, 8×8’s channel pipeline generation initiative; account planning; product demo; and custom co-branded prospect events. Elev8 has three designated tiers: x partner, x plus partner and infinity partner.

In 8×8’s most recent quarter, channel bookings grew 91 percent year over year. Elev8 follows the launch of the 8×8 PartnerXchange platform, which allows channel partners to manage their 8×8-related business and drive sales of the company’s solutions.

“8×8 delivers all the tools and support needed to generate demand so that our partners can focus on the customer relationship,” DeLozier said. “Partner feedback has been overwhelmingly positive and they are very excited about the endless opportunities with 8×8.”

Also Tuesday, 8×8 announced the availability of a complete cloud contact center solution, 8×8 Contact Center. It offers customers the ability to utilize their own PBX or take advantage of 8×8’s UCaaS offering. A host of prebuilt customer relationship management (CRM) integrations extend the capabilities of the platform and provide contact centers with single sign-on and centralized administration.

“For customers feeling trapped by aging infrastructure, the 8×8 Contact Center solution delivers more value by including omnichannel, quality management, speech analytics, customer survey, preview dialer and customer journey analytics at a price point well below our competition,” said Janice Rapp, 8×8’s vice president of product marketing for contact center. “What’s more, 8×8 Contact Center gives customers easy access to additional capabilities delivered through our single platform. Cloud PBX, team messaging and video meetings are all within the realm of possibilities and make it easy to maximize customer and employee engagement.”