Live Blog: Oracle OpenWorld 2013 Partner Strategy
Live from Oracle OpenWorld 2013, a recap of the company's Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN) Specialized channel partner program for big data, social, mobile, cloud and Engineered Systems partners.
The VAR Guy has invaded Oracle OpenWorld 2013. First up: an Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN) Specialized update from the technology company’s channel team. Here’s a live blog of the conversation, along with implications for on-premises and cloud VARs.
Updates…
- Partners: Oracle now has more than 5,000 OPN Specialized partners.
- Cloud: Great increase in the number of partners — 200 now specialized around cloud applications.
- Engineered Systems: Tom LaRocca insisted that Oracle is the only company in the world that can deliver the entire stack — hardware, systems software, applications, middleware, etc. — in a scalable, innovative manner.
- More Cloud: The cloud builder specialization, referral program, rapid-start fixed priced validated solutions and a resale program have seen tremendous traction in Asia Pacific and, indeed, worldwide.
- Oracle Public Cloud in Asia: More than 300 referrals have arrived in Asia Pacific. Marketing and HR leaders are driving a lot of the cloud initiatives and becoming Oracle partners. Traditional partners are using cloud as a proof of concept to help on-premises companies consume cloud solutions and services. “We’ll see more and more people going into existing account where they’re known and trusted to sell cloud.”
- Oracle on Oracle in EMEA: The company has reorganized its sales reps to make sure each rep can promote and educate the entire Oracle stack to partners.
- Familiar Discussion: A lot of the attendee questions have shifted to cloud, cloud and more cloud.
- Mobile, Cloud, Big Data and Social: The Internet of Things ties those things together, Oracle asserted. A lot of partners in North America playing in the cloud stack are coming down into the other areas. Many partners are also trying to move up the stack from hardware to mobile, cloud, big data and social, Oracle executives added.
- The Big Question: How will traditional Oracle VARs build out cloud practices — or partner up with born-in-the-cloud consulting firms? Mark Lewis, senior VP of alliances and channels in Asia Pacific, gave an articulate answer. The VAR Guy will share it soon… on video.
Stay tuned. The Oracle OPN Specialized keynote is later today. And CEO Larry Ellison keynotes tonight. Find all coverage here: http://www.thevarguy.com/openworld2013