PartnerDirect Growth Enables Dell Deliver New Benefits for Partners, Enhance and Simplify Program

*Dell enhances program to reward certified partners; introduces new Premier Partner and Preferred Partner levels

*Dell increases marketing support, provides additional benefits to Premier and Preferred Partners

Dell (NYSE: Dell) today announced a new enhanced structure for channel partners, designed to expand their ability to deliver value for their customers and reward their investment in key Dell solutions, while helping partners drive business growth.

The new program is effective May 9 for Dell certified partners globally, and features a new structure with increased rewards for certification and training, including new rebates for Premier partners, expanded deal registration terms, financial incentives, and marketing and technical assistance.

“These improved benefits are based on input we have received directly from our partner community,” said Greg Davis, vice president and general manager, Dell Global Commercial Channels. “For those partners who are investing in Dell, we are enhancing incentives and benefits to better position them for success, and we are able to do that thanks to the success our partners have enabled PartnerDirect to achieve.”

PartnerDirect’s new structure rewards education and training and helps position partners for long-term success with Dell solutions. It also underscores Dell’s commitment to a simple and streamlined channel program for partners, based on their feedback, to provide the right resources partners need to successfully grow their businesses and deliver value to their customers.

“This new structure helps strengthen the solutions we are able to offer and also helps us deliver better value to our customers,” said Steve Hipskind, president of Hipskind Technology Solutions Group. “Partners spoke, Dell listened, and now we have a structure that enables partners and Dell to work together better than ever.”

New Levels for Certified Partners

PartnerDirect’s new structure for certified partners consists of two new levels—Premier Partners and Preferred Partners. Partners who currently hold any of Dell’s certifications—Enterprise Architecture, Managed Services, Networking and Security, and Systems Management—will migrate into one of the Premier or Preferred tiers, depending on their level of commitment and training.

Dell is slightly modifying its certifications to continue to reward partners for their investments in key solution areas. The Networking/Security, Systems Management, and Managed Services certifications remain the same. Enterprise Architecture will divide into two certifications—Storage and Servers.

Dell Premier Partners: Premier partners who demonstrate the highest level of commitment, earn two Dell certifications, and maintain a minimum annual revenue threshold. New benefits include: rebates on qualified products; access to the Product Incentive Program, designed to provide additional financial incentives for key Dell products and solutions; 180-day deal registration; unlimited concurrent deal registration; potential access to Dell-generated leads; and priority access to Resource Desk.

Dell Preferred Partners: Previously known as Dell Certified Partners, Preferred Partners are recognized experts in key Dell solutions, have at least one Dell certification and reach a minimum annual revenue threshold. New benefits include: enhanced deal registration terms (120 days), including extended deal registration for storage products and access to Dell-generated leads.

Dell Registered Partners: Benefits for Dell Registered Partners remain the same.

More information about the new program tiers, opportunities for partners, and available benefits and requirements are available on the PartnerDirect portal at www.dell.com/partner.

About Dell
Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to customers and partners and delivers innovative technology and services that give them the power to do more. For more information, visit www.dell.com.