| Channel Push
at DataFort |
| UK Disaster
Recovery Specialist Expands Channel Strategy With Improved
Reseller Programme And Unique ‘Profit Pool’ |
| Release
date: July 2003 |
| DataFort,
provider of effortless off-site data back-up, today announced
a re-tooling of its channel strategy. The move, which
will double the total number of channel partners, will
see two categories of channel partner being created, adding
greater flexibility and reach into the SME market place.
It also introduces a brand- new reseller option allowing
DataFort partners to pre-purchase storage space under
a new self-billing system. This allows resellers to package
data storage and recovery services into existing customer
contracts without having to invoice clients separately. |
| ‘Referring
Agents’ and ‘Premier Dealers’ are the
categorisations for DataFort’s new channel strategy.
Referring agents, companies that can recommend DataFort’s
services as part of an overall package [such as accountants,
high-street computer vendors, business ISPs etc.] are
being actively recruited with an ongoing commission rate
of 15%. |
| Premier
Dealers, consisting of IT services companies, help desk
management companies and IT specialists with in-depth
knowledge of the disaster recovery market will receive
20% ongoing commission, and will provide first line support
for clients. To qualify as a Premier Dealer, resellers
have to pass an examination which will be hosted on DataFort’s
website. |
| Premier dealers, who can choose to opt for the pre-pay
scheme, will benefit from DataFort’s unique ‘profit
pool,’ a system whereby DataFort contributes 20%
of all direct sales revenue into a central pot which is
shared out between the Premier Dealers as an incentive,
in proportion to the amount of storage space sold. |
| “Our channel partners fall into two distinct categories,”
explains Marcie Terman Business Development Director at
DataFort. “Companies that appreciate the benefits
of data security in their vertical markets, making them
ideally placed to refer similar companies, but without
engineering skills. Then there are partners involved directly
inIT outsourcing and support services that wish to migrate
their customers onto a better method of backup, that they
can manage remotely from the support company office.” |
| The
pre-pay model provides further flexibility for IT-focused
resellers who appreciate the benefits of the DataFort
solution, but need a cost model outside of the monthly
charge for archive space. Companies that fall into this
category can now purchase space directly on the DataFort
servers at a discounted rate. ’ |
| Concludes
Terman: “Where there is broadband there is opportunity.
Critical data loss can put companies, especially SMEs,
out of business. DataFort offers affordable, easy-to-
use online solutions to back-up and recovery giving customers
protection and peace of mind. This is a powerful sales
proposition, one that our resellers can leverage to even
greater effect with the new channel strategy.” |
| |
 ABOUT
DATAFORT
DataFort provides
dependable secure off-site computer information storage with
a focus on functionality and convenience for the end user. The
company was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Guildford,
UK and New York, USA. It’s software and services are used
by thousands of businesses worldwide - ranging from small SMEs
and schools through to quoted companies and local government.
Every hour of every day someone, somewhere backs up with DataFort. |
CONTACTS
Marcie Terman
T: +44 (0) 1483 872 052
E:  |
