The VCE™ Partner Program has seen tremendous success with its expansion in partner development, growth and revenue generation. In 2013 we introduced an enhanced program for solution providers, which offers greater incentives and benefits, as well as partner tiers and specializations. Heading into 2014, we announced two new initiatives that continued to advance the success of our program:
- Together with Cisco and EMC, VCE rolled out the Cloud Infrastructure Solutions Accelerator to advance cloud opportunities for partners. The initiative helps joint partners accelerate their success in converged infrastructure by focusing on joint field engagement, custom enablement, joint marketing and profitability incentives.
- VCE introduced the VCE™ Certified Professional Program for partners, customers and employees to prove their expertise in the transformative, technical and operational capabilities of Vblock Systems. Partners can prove their mastery beyond a single domain, which will strengthen customer trust and credibility as well as increase their revenue potential.
As another example of our success, I’m pleased to announce that CRN has named Leslee Mesick, Director, Global Channel, VCE, as one of the 2014 Women of the Channel and The Power 100: The Most Powerful Women in the Channel.
Click to Tweet: @CRN recognizes Leslee Mesick, @LesleeM, of @VCE as one of the 2014 Women of the Channel and The Power 100
CRN’s Women of the Channel list recognizes female executives for their accomplishments in the channel and the impact that they’ve had on the technology industry. Similarly, the CRN Power 100 spotlights those female executives at vendor and distributor organizations whose insight and influence help drive channel success.
Leslee was selected based on her experience, channel involvement and program accomplishments. She was instrumental to enhancing the VCE Partner Program and introducing the Cloud Infrastructure Solutions Accelerator, making her a key contributor in driving our channel investments in converged infrastructure forward.
“It is our privilege to acknowledge the exceptional achievements of the women in this year’s Power 100,” said Robert Faletra, CEO, The Channel Company. “We are committed to raising the visibility of the contributions of women in the channel, and we applaud the far-reaching influence of these executives who are defining today’s channel and helping to shape its future.”
Our strength and focus on the channel has helped us surpass our $1 billion goal in 2013[footnote]Sales figure is based on 2013 VCE bookings.[/footnote] to reach a $1.8 billion annualized demand run rate.[footnote]Demand run rate is an annualized calculation of orders received in the applicable period by VCE, VMware, EMC and Cisco for the sale of VCE Vblock products and related services.[/footnote] It also helped us enter the first quarter of 2014 with a strong demand for Vblock Systems, growing at well over 50 percent year over year and representing the fourth consecutive quarter of accelerated year-over-year growth.
As we head into the second half of 2014, we’re excited to see our momentum grow in the channel as trailblazers like Leslee continue to make strides within our partner community.