SugarCRM and i365 Expand Partner Programs

October 5, 2010 Alex Woodie

CRM software developer SugarCRM and cloud-based data protection provider i365 both unveiled new programs last week aimed at getting other software vendors to adopt and embed their wares within their own products.

SugarCRM last week unveiled a new original equipment manufacturer (OEM) version of its CRM suite, fittingly called the OEM Platform Edition. The goal with the new OEM software is to get other software vendors to embed SugarCRM, which is written in PHP, into their products.

To that end, SugarCRM, which does support the IBM i environment with its software (customers running SugarCRM on IBM i will typically also install the MySQL database), also unveiled Sugar Logic, a new set of PHP and JavaScript tools aimed at making it easier for OEM partners and to integrate SugarCRM screens into their own products, without any programming.

Examples of potential uses for SugarLogic, which is available now for OEM customers and will become available for general SugarCRM customers next month, include integrating SugarCRM with: home mortgage origination tools; insurance claim management applications; and automotive dealer management systems, the company says.

Meanwhile, the i365 unit of Seagate is also shaking up its partner program. Under the revamped EVault Partner Program, i365–which used to go by the name EVault but now just uses that as a product name–will offer new incentives and rebates to partners who offer i365’s online backup and recovery service to their own customer bases. i365 is throwing in more training, sales, and marketing support, as well.

There are three levels under the EVault program, including Member, Specialist, and Elite. Any partner who refers a deal to i365 gets paid a referral fee. Partners who get certified in a specialization can get the Specialist rating. The highest Elite level partners must hold two specializations; are certified to sell the full gamut of i365’s cloud-based and on-site backup and recovery solutions; get access to development, marketing, and sales programs; and are eligible to receive loyalty rebates and license and maintenance revenues from i365.

The changes in i365 include: increased deal registration discounts; new loyalty incentive rebates; a new maintenance development fund (MDF) program; expanded partner sales and marketing tools; and full training on EVault products.

i365’s partner program involves more than 30,000 customers around the world, according to Sandra McKeon, i365’s director of channel sales for North America. The new investments demonstrate “our continued commitment to build a collaborative partner program that delivers innovative technology and options for channel partners,” she says.