Online focus in channel programme spurs COLT partner satisfaction

COLT is celebrating after its renewed channel programme has led to an increase in partner satisfaction.

COLT, which provides data, voice and managed services to organisations, conducted a partner satisfaction survey focusing on account management, network performance, marketing support and the range of products and services available. The results show that since 2007 when the last survey was conducted, COLT has improved across every metric, with 82 percent of partners indicating that they are ‘likely’ or ‘highly likely’ to increase their business with COLT in the near future.

However, the survey also highlighted areas where partners would like to see more investment. COLT says it will focus on these over the coming months. 

In December 2008, COLT launched Community, its new partner programme where the vendor placed much of the value chain online; from leads and opportunities through to order tracking and account management. This streamlined approach has been credited for much of the improvements in partner satisfaction – but COLT believes that there is even more than can be done to build on this success.

“Community was crucial to this shift in satisfaction,” says Gary Moore, senior manager, Channel Partners, COLT. “The new tools and initiatives have certainly improved the partner experience, but our COLT online system has redefined the way we work. By bringing the value chain online we have created a ‘one-stop-COLT-shop’ for our partners so they have everything they need in one place. In turn, this has reduced admin for our account managers giving them more time to work with our partners and ensure they grow and reap the full benefits of the COLT offering.”

Through 2009 and 2010, COLT will launch an e-order system and sales offer management system that will bring pricing and offers online.