HPE outlines additional channel partner relief measures

HPE has outlined additional partner relief programs for those impacted by COVID-19.

The HPE Partner Ready program has suspended revenue target thresholds so partners can keep their eligibility for the 2021 program, as well as Aruba's Partner Ready for Networking Program.

According to HPE, this eases some of the financial pressure on partners so they can focus on business continuity.

"Our partners are at the core of HPE, so when they are facing potential challenges, it's our duty to step up and be a pillar of support," says HPE worldwide head of partner sales, Paul Hunter.

"Whether it's helping them drive business as usual, relieve financial pressure, or simply giving them peace of mind during this time, our aim is to have a thriving ecosystem better able to meet customer needs.

HPE Financial Services has also allocated $2 billion towards helping customers and partners.

Initiatives include providing liquidity for buying partners, virtual solutions for partner enablement, and hybrid IT solutions for partners and customers.

HPE aims to provide liquidity to partners, particularly in North America and Europe through early pay discount terms and factoring terms. The company has not stated whether these also apply to Asia Pacific partners.

The company has also suspended or reduced strategic development initiative targets in most geographies - however, this incentive does not apply to partners in Asia Pacific and China (APAC).

Hybrid IT solutions for partners and customers include the free-of-charge use of remote server management Integrated Lights-Out Advanced. It will be offered free for the remainder of 2020.

Additionally, HPE is working to support service provider partners by providing increased business continuity services to customers, via a centralised Spotlight page on Cloud28+.

HPE explains, "This new site provides customers with a means to quickly find the right HPE partner and cloud services capable of supporting their needs. Business continuity services could include, but are not limited to, remote working solutions, extra IT capacity, connectivity, and/or any other complementary offerings.

Partners can also use HPE GreenLake Quick Quote and targeted mid-market offers to support customers and their business challenges.

Finally, HPE expands its virtual solutions. In May, the company will launch a new sales enablement experiences called the HPE Sales Pro Learning Centre. This will assist sales leaders with developing skills needed to sell propositions and solutions.

Partners can continue to participate in exams, and virtual HPE events including the HPE Discover 2020 Digital Experience.