TP-Link to launch SMB partner programme in Egypt

TP-Link Technologies Co Ltd, a maker of SOHO, SMB networking products and wireless LAN solutions, announced launching SMB Partner Programme in Egypt as part of the Middle East and North Africa roll out.

The launch, which took place at Cairo ICT 2016, also saw TP-Link showcase a range of products including networking offerings, wireless products and SMB solutions.

In addition, the vendor used its participation at Cairo ICT 2016 to outline its go-to-market strategy, competitive advantage and, the company’s research and development (R&D) commitments in the North African market.

The company said that SMB Partner Programme in Egypt paves the way for the it to recruit and develop a select number of systems integrators (SIs) who will resell its SMB products and solutions in that country.

Roger Gong, country manager, Egypt at TP-Link Middle East, said the unveiling of the SMB Partner Programme in the country will see the company work closely with its distribution partners to develop a robust partner network in the SI space that will develop and raise the company’s SMB profile in Egypt. “We have already started working with our distribution partners to identify and recruit suitable SIs who will help us to develop the SMB business in Egypt and the wider North Africa market,” he said.

Gong explained that TP-Link is looking at recruiting, training and certifying new partners in Egypt who will be tiered in three categories namely Authorised, Silver and Gold. “We excited to have officially introduced a partner programme that will support the development of our SMB business in Egypt,” he said. “We are hoping to replicate the success that TP-Link has enjoyed in the SOHO space with this new initiative, which we believe will aid our channel partners to grow their businesses.”

He explained that a key element of the programme is the training component and partners will be required to undergo training and get certified.

TP-Link is offering two certification programmes for sales, pre-sales and technical staff working for SIs.

According to the vendor, the sales and pre-sales training will see partners that get through the programme and pass an online exam get certified as a TP-Link Network Associate (TPNA).

The vendor stated that on the technical front, partners that take their employees through the technical training initiative and pass the online exam will be recognised as a certified TP-Link Network Professional (TPNP).

TP-Link said the partner tiers are linked to training and the company has already started the process of identifying SIs it would like to engage in the region.

TP-Link said it has created a dedicated partner portal and call centre in Egypt where interested partners can register to start the process. In addition, all the course material to help partners prepare for the TPNA and TPNP certifications is already available online.