What’s in Store for the Google Partner Ecosystem
By John DeWolfA few weeks ago Datto attended Google’s annual partner summit Teamwork, where we had the opportunity to learn more about Google’s commitment to the channel ecosystem. During the keynote, Murali Sitaram, Director of Partnerships and Strategic Alliances at Google outlined some of the top priorities for the Google partner community, including:
Double Down
Google and its partners have been successful growing Google Apps adoption over the past few years. Now is the time for Google and the partner community to invest and increase growth by providing even more value to customers. It’s more than simply adding seats but rather going deeper and offering organizations additional Google for Work solutions, including Google Maps, Google Search and Google Cloud Platform. Additionally offering third party solutions or verticalized solutions that will really help customers leverage their investment in Google technologies.
A stronger overall ecosystem
Google is investing in establishing and strengthening partnerships with larger resellers. Existing resellers shouldn’t see this as a threat but rather as an opportunity to find a niche and ride the wave. In Murali’s own words, “It is about rising the tide for everyone to succeed.”
Keeping the ecosystem tight knit
The goal is to create tighter relationships between Sales, Services and Technology Partners for stronger collaboration that will truly translate into higher value for customers.
Channel focus
A number that piqued the interest of all the partners in the room: Google is looking to drive 70 percent of the Google for Work business through partners vs. 44 percent in 2014. A commitment that should entice partners to confidently invest in Google platforms and technologies.
We look forward to continuing to be part of the fast growing Google partner community!