Equinix has enhanced its channel partner program as it seeks to accelerate enterprise adoption of next-generation cloud, network and IT services.

The changes to the global partner program include the addition of new revenue opportunities for partners including managed service providers, network service providers, system integrators and solutions providers, along with new training and certification programs.

The interconnection company says the newly launched sales and technical training and certification programs will enable partners to develop a stronger joint value proposition with Equinix that ‘will resonate with enterprise customers as they explore an interconnection oriented architecture to transform network efficiency, user experience and cloud scalability'.

The program includes two levels of certification for technical professionals, designed to help partners enable enterprise customers to take advantage of the untapped value in interconnection including interconnecting people, locations, clouds and data using the Equinix platform.

Christopher Rajiah, Equinix vice president worldwide channel sales and alliances, says the strong growth the company has seen since launching its channel program is a testament to the value partners are experiencing.

“As a result of our new training and certification programs, partners are able to increase their ability to build a profitable, recurring revenue stream as well as create new offerings for enterprises to re-architect their IT to interconnect people, clouds and data,” Rajiah says.

The company added more than 350 partners to its channel partner program in 2015, including Avant, Dimension Data and VMtech.

Equinix says it is actively recruiting government focused partners as it continue to expand its reach into federal IT.

Richard Clark, VMtech CTO, says VMtech has expanded the range of services it offers on the back of its partnership with Equinix.

The company now offers services including backup-as-a-service, disaster recovery-as-a-service and managed cloud connectivity via the Equinix Cloud Exchange.