Apple is set to launch a new partner program this fall, designed to enhance collaboration with businesses across various sectors, including enterprise and education. The program will feature four categories of partners, from traditional resellers to those focused on services, such as the Apple Premium Business Partner and Apple Premium Education Partners. The revamped program includes the Apple Professional Academy, which offers online training and resources for partners. Apple aims to support partner growth with new tools and a partner discovery tool to connect customers with suitable service providers. The company reported a record high of two point three billion products deployed globally, with its personal computer sales reaching eight point nine billion dollars, reflecting a sixteen percent growth.
Why do we care?
I’ve seen this movie before – in fact, I was in it, when Apple did a big channel push a number of years ago. They clearly have another thought on pushing into the channel. This is an opportunity to do something with Apple for companies who can ride their current enthusiasm. I won’t consider it a long term strategy until they stick with it.