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Partner Program FAQ
What is the Marathon Partner Program?
The Marathon Partner Program is to develop and enable partners in each segment including independent software vendors (ISVs), original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), value-added resellers, system integrators and consultancy practices. The objective of the Marathon Partner Program is to develop and enable partners to achieve a predetermined level of proficiency in Marathon offerings to be effective in reselling our solutions to clients. Our charter is to enable partners to profitably resell the Marathon technology by providing valuable tools, training and resources designed to assist your company in being successful offering our technology to clients.
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What type of partners should enroll in the Marathon Partner Program?
Independent software vendors (ISVs), original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), value-added resellers, system integrators and consultancy practices interested in helping clients implement availability solutions as part of their business continuity plans. Key verticals where Marathon has concentrations of customers include manufacturing, financial services, media & broadcasting and gaming (casinos) industries. Key applications used by our current install base include Microsoft Exchange, SQL, process manufacturing, banking applications and many more. Channel partners with expertise in any or all of these areas are encouraged to contact Marathon about joining the Partner Program.
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If I am already a Marathon Partner, should I join this program?
Channel partners who have signed an agreement with Marathon Technologies are automatically included in the Partner Program.
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Is there a fee to join the program?
Currently there is no fee to join the program. Partners who provide Level 1 support on behalf of Marathon are required to attend hands-on Product Training, for which there is a fee. Presales technical training is provided at no charge as part of the Program.
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What do I need to do to enroll in the Marathon Partner Program?
Independent software vendors (ISVs), value-added resellers, system integrators and consultants who are interested in joining the Marathon Partner Program may contact your Channel Sales Manager.
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What are the Marathon Partner Program levels?
Marathon Technologies is committed to developing a robust and comprehensive Partner Program designed to meet the needs of our partners to achieve their go-to-market strategies with offering our technology. We are currently evaluating options for various Partner Program levels along with criteria for each level. We welcome suggestions and feedback. Please contact your Channel Sales Manager.
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What criteria will Marathon use to measure Partners' performance?
As a Marathon channel partner you have an opportunity is to market, distribute and license the Marathon Product and Documentation to customers.
- Certified personnel on staff to ensure channel partner's skill set and proven capabilities are proficient to represent Marathon technology to the market. Partners are required to have at least two (2) employees attend Marathon's fee-based Installation and Maintenance Training for the Marathon product within thirty (30) days of becoming a partner.
- Partners provide first-tier technical support. Marathon certification enables channel partners to meet their obligation to provide first-tier technical support to customers. Partners also provide training and technical support to their employees and customers.
- Meet a minimum Sales Activity Target ("Business wins"). To be eligible to remain in the Partner Program at the one year anniversary date of joining the program, partners are required to meet minimum annual sales revenue targets. For partner specific targets please contact your Marathon Channel Sales Manager.
- Marketing efforts. Partners are encouraged to use their best efforts to market, advertise, promote and sell the Marathon product offerings to maximize sales potential in the partners’ territories. Marathon offers a co-funded marketing program for partners interested in submitting a proposal. Please contact Partner Marketing Manager, Kathy Murphy at 978-489-1129.
- Timely forecasts. Partners shall provide Marathon with monthly sales out report(s) and participate in quarterly sales reviews.
- Partner annual business plan. Partners are required to provide to Marathon an annual business plan.
- Additional criteria may be outlined in the reseller agreement.
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What is entailed in becoming Marathon certified?
Marathon provides in-depth training on Marathon FTvirtual Server software systems at our state-of-the-art training center in Littleton, Massachusetts. On-site training can also be arranged for partners with fully equipped classrooms.
Partner Certification Training
Marathon FTvirtual Server™ Installation & Maintenance Training (S-TRN-4-EFTV) is a four-day, regularly scheduled course taught by a Marathon instructor. The course provides an overview of Marathon FTvirtual Server configuration terminology and architecture.
Note: read the full syllabus for prerequisites.
Topics include:
- Overview of Marathon in networking and storage architectures
- Adding disks or replace failed disk drives to an existing configuration
- Event log analysis
- Disaster planning and disaster recovery scenarios
- Installing Windows and Marathon software
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Is there a fee to become Marathon certified?
Yes, there is a fee to cover Marathon's costs for providing the training sessions. For more information about registering for a Marathon Technical Training Class, call (866)763-1813 or (978)489-1138 to speak to a training coordinator.
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How often are the training courses offered?
Marathon Partner training is typically offered on a monthly basis. Please see the course schedule for upcoming classes. Marathon is also exploring a blended learning approach offered by e-learning and classroom training. More details to follow at a later date.
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What type of sales and marketing support is available to partners?
Marathon's partner web site offers a wealth of information to assist our partners. The partner web site includes datasheets on products, cost of ownership datasheets, white papers, tested servers and components and much more. Marathon Technologies is also investing in joint partner marketing programs. Partners must be in good standing to be eligible for co-funding. For additional details, please contact Kathy Murphy, Channel Marketing Manager at 978-489-1129.
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