Oracle announces new initiative to extend partners' reach into SME community

Introduces Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN) QuickStart Plus in EMEA

Oracle today announced the launch of Oracle PartnerNetwork (OPN) QuickStart Plus, an entry level programme for new Oracle VARs (Value Added Resellers) and ISVs (Independent Software Vendors) who wish to sell Oracle Database and Application Server Standard Edition One and Standard Edition.

 Oracle already has a long term commitment and strategy for the SME (Small and Medium Enterprise) market in EMEA, in which it operates a 100% indirect sales model. Its dedicated SME business units across the region are focused on identifying and building significant business opportunities in this market and pursuing those opportunities via ISVs and VARs who sell to SMEs. QuickStart Plus will help to extend Oracle's partner base focused on delivering solutions and services to the vast and expanding SME market.

OPN QuickStart Plus builds on the success of OPN QuickStart, which has signed up over 400 partners since its inception in September 2004. OPN QuickStart already enables resellers to offer Standard Edition One products aimed at the SME market; OPN QuickStart Plus extends its reach to include ISVs and partners who wish to sell Standard Edition, designed for midsize businesses. During the next six months, Oracle plans to recruit 500 new partners via OPN QuickStart Plus.

Partners enrolled in OPN QuickStart enjoy a wealth of business driving benefits such as full access to the OPN Competency Center and technology training roadmaps, sales and marketing kits, developer toolkits, access to the Oracle University online library and discounts on Oracle University class registration fees.

For an annual fee of 174 plus VAT, OPN QuickStart Plus members will be able to take advantage of a range of additional resources including a SME introductory seminar, SME sales training, a salesperson incentive programme (where available), inclusion in SME local sales campaigns, enhanced migration support and tools including migration centres for ISVs.

"Oracle is the right technology partner to work with when engaging with small and medium enterprises, because of the amount of effort and resources it is dedicating to the SME marketplace," said Ian Cowley, managing director at Answer Solutions, an Oracle ISV based in the UK. "Oracle not only supplies products, it also supplies expertise and marketing support - basically all the things that SMEs need but often cannot afford themselves."

"At Oracle, we are committed to ensuring that our partner programme continues to deliver optimum value," said Jim Sampins, Director, Oracle SME Technology UK. "By introducing OPN QuickStart Plus, we are confident of providing our new EMEA resellers and ISVs with the most secure, scaleable and affordable technology available to meet the needs of the fast growing mid-market."