F5 Networks, has announced the launch of F5 Unity+, an innovative channel program designed to create long-term profitable partner growth. Recognizing the importance of partners to F5’s growth strategy, the program builds on the long-term success of F5’s industry-leading and trusted channel-first program by offering partners new routes to accelerated profitability with greater flexibility through joint go-to-market activities.
“Digital transformation is touching every one of our customers and this is changing how they want to purchase and consume technology. In this environment, partners are critical to delivering a superior customer experience,” said James Worrall, RVP EMEA Channel Sales, F5 Networks. “Unity+ is built to be flexible, simple, and profitable, offering the differentiation and benefits partners need to grow their business with our expanding portfolio of application solutions and services.”
Unity+ has been specifically designed to address the evolution of the market, F5, and partner business models. The program aims to drive increased partner profitability, expanding beyond traditional booked revenue incentives and rewarding partners for investing in new strategic focus areas, while building on F5’s investment in field sales alignment, new partner tools, and flexible training and enablement opportunities.
“We are excited by the way F5 is embracing simplicity and flexibility in addressing the realities of how our business model is changing,” said Vittorio Brini, Director Strategy & Business Development – Intelligent Network Solutions & Mobility, Gulf Business Machines. “We look forward to working closely together through Unity+, jointly driving great value for our customers and mutually growing our business.”
Partners have the flexibility to sell F5 solutions in the way that best meets the needs of their customers, while also allowing them to align with the transaction model that fits their core business. Partners in the Unity+ program will continue to enjoy industry-leading benefits, such as margin-rich incentives and rebates, access to market development funds, and alignment with in-field channel sales teams and support services.
“Our partners are core to everything we do and a critical part of F5’s overall growth strategy,” continued Worrall. “Unity+ demonstrates our commitment to the channel. This is not a one-time investment but a sustained effort to ensure mutual success through uniquely collaborative relationships and the best partner experience that drives greater global customer adoption.”
Unity+ updates will begin to take effect in 2020, evolving over the next several years as F5 and its partners develop new routes to market and deploy new sales and marketing tools. Partners will carry over their status from fiscal year 2019 but will begin to earn qualification for the fiscal year 2021 based on the new Unity+ requirements.
