Fujitsu further streamlines SELECT Partner Program

ICT giant Fujitsu has updated its SELECT Partner Program to include a further-simplified partner accreditation process, as well as a more partner-centric focus on training.

Available to access now, the refreshed initiative removes Expert Status expiry dates and places a greater focus on partner needs, the firm says, in a move designed to help businesses build for the future and meet changing customer demands.

“The latest update to the program’s accreditation is designed to ensure that each partner receives exactly the right combination of support and training they need to be successful as they transform their own business models,” Fujitsu said in a release.

By removing expiry dates for SELECT Expert accreditation, Fujitsu is making sure each certification remains valid until the curriculum is updated. When an update is implemented, relevant partners will receive an invitation to renew their certification, which the company says will eliminate any repeat training and provide the ability to upskill teams based on future focus areas.

Delivered via the Fujitsu SELECT Academy, the refreshed approach to training has been designed to enable partners to take on a solution-based sales approach and act as digital trusted advisors.

Businesses will have access to classic sales methodology alongside education tools on the Fujitsu portfolio, which is delivered via a combination of e-learning, virtual instructor-led training and practical exercises. They will also receive “several months” of individual follow up via personal coaching, the firm added.

The program involves each SELECT Circle partner member working with Fujitsu to jointly develop a customised training plan, designed to cater to the unique needs of the business and help them achieve accreditation in relevant portfolio areas – such as hybrid cloud, hyper-converged infrastructure and data protection, as well as technology areas such as AI and the IoT.

“As we focus on enabling Fujitsu SELECT channel partners to grow, we are focusing on delivering customised training plans that focus on the skills that our partners need – and removing the ‘box-checking’ requirements of many traditional accreditation programs,” commented Fernanda Catarino, head of Channel Europe at Fujitsu.

“This sets Fujitsu’s valued partners up for success – allowing them to build on existing competencies to meet end customer demands to deliver increasingly complex solutions.”