CRN today recognized Vertiv on its 2021 Edge Computing 100 list, which spotlights companies “leading the way in providing channel partners with the technology needed to build next-generation, intelligent edge solutions.” CRN compiled the list and selected Vertiv based on a variety of criteria, including feedback from solution providers related to impact on the market; overall influence on the channel; and the types of technologies and services available to partners.
This recognition is a testament to the entire channel team and the organization as a whole. Vertiv identified the opportunities with edge networks as early as anyone and shifted seamlessly to expand our product development and R&D efforts to build the industry’s leading portfolio of edge infrastructure solutions. The channel team worked in parallel to prioritize edge outreach and sales while enhancing our partner tools to ensure the Vertiv Partner Program is every bit as leading-edge as our edge portfolio.
The results have been remarkable. In North America alone, we have added more than 1,000 channel partners over the past year, growing the decades-old program by 25% in a single year and doubling the number of partners joining the program each month. This is a result of focused channel investment and effort, and a relentless focus on the edge of the network. We increased recruiting efforts, expanded the national sales team to support channel partners, and built out tools and resources to ensure partners enjoy and profit from the Vertiv experience.
The focus on accessible digital tools that add value included a new, enhanced product configurator that provides reference designs to ensure equipment compatibility. The tool provides a fast, easy, and hassle-free method for partners to build solutions that meet their customers’ edge computing needs. We continue to innovate in this area, including the recent introduction of a report, Edge Archetypes 2.0: Deployment-Ready Edge Infrastructure Models, that identifies several edge infrastructure models. These models build on our original edge archetypes and go beyond reference designs to categorize edge deployments and give IT channel partners a head start on project configuration that should streamline their efforts and increase their margins.
Our partners trust us to innovate in these areas and share important thought leadership content that simplifies the edge and its technologies, for them and their customers. We also offer various incentives, including discounts and rebates on deal registrations and the back end. Ultimately, the goal is to reduce partner time on projects and increase their profits.
We are pleased to be recognized by CRN but far from satisfied. We will continue to innovate at the edge and throughout the channel to ensure we meet the needs of our partners and customers. Congratulations to everyone who made the CRN list, and here’s to a repeat in 2022.
