Extreme Networks today announced that it will standardize on commodity processors from Broadcom for its next generation of access, edge, and campus networking solutions while at the same time launching a channel program specifically aimed at managed service providers (MSPs).
Announced at the Extreme Networks Partner Summit, the alliance with Broadcom and updates to the company’s channel program are all part of an effort to further unify a channel program around multiple acquisitions involving Aerohive Networks and elements of the Brocade networking portfolio, says Gordon Mackintosh, vice president of worldwide channels.
As part of that effort, Extreme Networks is also moving to incorporate a lead generation tool developed by Aerohive Networks into the larger Extreme Networks program.
Other updates the program include the launch of a Collaborate2Win platform through which partners can discover opportunities to collaborate with one another; the debut of an online continuous learning platform; additional specializations for ExtremeCloud IQ and Applications and Cloud in 2020; and the making available an Extreme Virtual Assistant (EVA) chatbot to help partners better navigate the Extreme Networks portal.
ExtremeCloud IQ is a cloud management application that leverages machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to automate the management of networks that as of this week is now generally available.
In general, Mackintosh says Extreme Networks remains committed to not trying to pigeon-hole partners into specific programs based on how they are classified by business model. Partners are free to choose which program they want to be rewarded through based on the nature of the deal being put together, says Mackintosh.
“We want partners to have freedom of business models,” says Mackintosh.
Extreme Networks is also making a concerted effort to limit the number of partners offering its products to help protect margins, adds Mackintosh.
It’s not clear yet to what degree a reconstituted Extreme Networks will be able to compete head-to-head against larger rivals such as Cisco. However, what is apparent is Extreme Networks is betting there will be plenty of channel partners looking for alternative providers of an end-to-end networking portfolio.
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