Alkira launches Connect partner program

Alkira launched the Connect Partner Program to provide channel partners a structured framework for addressing complex networking and Artificial Intelligence (AI) infrastructure challenges with reduced disruption and an opportunity to grow services revenue.

The company framed Connect as a response to legacy networking models that it said failed to keep pace with cloud and AI demands, and positioned the program to give Global Systems Integrators (GSIs), MSPs, cloud service providers, and security and AI-focused firms a foundation to monetize higher-value services.

Alkira described Connect Services Attach Plays as a way partners could standardize and scale offerings such as network modernization assessments, segmentation and compliance design, and migration and cutover sprints. Alkira also described its network offering as AI-Native Network Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) that unified environments, sites, and users via an enterprise network built entirely in the cloud, managed with the same controls, policies, and security systems, available as a service and augmented by AI.

The company introduced the Partner Profit Stack as a set of levers for partner profitability, including higher tiered margins with quarterly rebates and customer prepay bonuses, a Connect Pipeline Fund (MDF) for marketing dollars, larger SPIFFs for new customer POCs, lab access for early feature testing, and an OEM-sponsored President's Club. Alkira said the Connect launch followed the acquisition of a Fortune 10 customer, the enablement of its 1,000th partner, and that more than 150 partners drove over 40% of total revenue, with seven-figure commissions paid to top-tier partners and a 1300% growth rate in Latin America and expansion into Canada, Australia, the EU, the UK, the Middle East, and China.

“The philosophy behind Connect is that we win when our partners grow their own services revenue,” said Doug Houghton, Director of Channels at Alkira. “We believe channel partners are evolving from resellers to growth partners, combining resale with high-value services. Connect is built so partners deliver outcomes plus services. It's about giving them a repeatable engine to solve the 'impossible' networking hurdles that face every Fortune 500 company today.”

Alkira scheduled a Partner Connect webinar for March 12 at 8:00 AM PDT.