Zoomtopia Partner Connect 2022 touched on innovations to Zoom’s partner programs from the past year with some new announcements revealed too.
Highlights from Zoom’s partner conference this year include the Zoom Up Partner Program, extended services and support, partner differentiation opportunities, and expanded investments.
Zoomtopia Partner Connect began on the second day of the company’s sixth annual conference to celebrate its partners, release news, and share insights into its behind-the-scenes program and investment plans. Partner Connect sessions took place for the Americas on November 9th, and they are due to take place on November 18th for EMEA, APAC, and Japan.
Todd Surdey, Head of Global Channels and Business Development at Zoom, said: “As we look ahead, we’re guided by one main principle, a North Star to chart our path forward: partner centricity.
“Partner centricity means that partners are at the core of our go-to-market and product launch strategy, guiding where we focus our time and resources.
“It means that we plan to continue investing in the ease of doing business — focusing efforts on partner profitability and value exchange, as well as building a partner-centric culture. And it means enabling partners to sell a holistic platform, not just a product.
Innovation Highlights
Zoom Up Partner Program: The Zoom Up Partner Program launched in March this year with the purpose of simplifying, improving, and rewarding business partnerships with Zoom through one integrated architecture. The program has been built around educating and raising awareness for partners through training solutions. It has also expanded its in-person resources across different regions to offer more support.
The Partner Advisory Council is a key part of the Zoom Up program, which meets in person on a regular basis to talk about new ways of making partners a central to program designs and strategy.
Extended services and support: Zoom says it is working to equip it partners with the tools and resources they need to deliver meaningful customer experiences. Zoom Professional Services (PSO) is a reselling capability which is now available to its partners. Partners are also offering their own support and services, as well as a joint Zoom and partner initiatives.
Zoom announced it is building processes and customer solutions which involve multiple partners, whether it is for technical support, phone, or contact centre. Solutions won’t compete on the entire account, but just across specialities.
Partner differentiation opportunities: To celebrate the contributions its partners make, Zoom is implementing an open platform for regional user groups of customers, partners, and sponsors to discuss anything and everything related to Zoom. There are also new opportunities for partners and individuals that deliver excellent customer experiences, grow their capabilities, and garner awareness for Zoom in the marketplace.
Expanded investments: Zoom is expanding its investments in demand generation through increased market development funds (MDFs), brand recognition, and adding new people to its team. Other growth initiatives include new marketing platforms and tools to make it easier for partners to utilise resources and increase revenue. A ‘Deal Coach’ provides partners with marketing and sales collateral, using their deal registrations. Finally, a ‘Partner Video Center’ provides access to a partner-ready video and content enablement shop. This interactive hub, which also translates videos into multiple languages, is available in the Zoom Partner Portal.
Partner Successes
Some of the Zoom partner highlights this year include growing Zoom Phone coverage through the expansion of the Cloud Peering Program and the global availability of Zoom Phone Native.
Over 19,000 individuals have earned accreditations through the Zoom Up Partner Program this year.
