Print players step up channel support

Epson has rolled out an enhanced channel programme to underline its commitment to the indirect mode and to arm partners with higher levels of support.

The printer specialist will now offer a programme that covers printers, scanners and displays under one banner with dedicated account management and vertical sales teams on hand to support partners.

Epson is also cutting the ribbon on a fresh partner portal to make it easier for partners to navigate through to access the resources they require.

“We do not sell direct. We will only sell through our resellers, and with recent developments within the channel we felt now it was time to further prove our commitment," said Chris Smith, head of business sales at Epson UK.

“In recent years we have worked really closely with our partners – and we’ve listened to what they need to drive growth for their businesses. So today, I’m proud to announce that we have updated our support with a new programme that focuses on our value partners, and provides a tailored programme to suit them, and offer our widest product portfolio," he added.

“Epson has listened to its existing partners, and they want a stable partner who can support and help them tap into the huge potential of rapidly growing markets, such as business inkjet printers, which are fast overtaking laser machines as the solution of choice. My message is clear if you partner with us, we will be committed to you," he concluded.

Epson is not alone in bolstering its channel commitment and at the start of the month Kyocera Document Solutions also made changes to make life easier for partners.

The firm is putting ever more emphasis on software and services and is launching new content management services in October and is getting channel relationships in place with cloud, unified comms and IT infrastructure players.

“We have been successfully enabling businesses to improve their sustainability and operate more efficiently for a number of years, with innovative print and document management technologies. Now, as more businesses embrace the technologies of the digital transformation, we are in a strong position to expand our service portfolio, improving collaboration in the workplace through unified communications solutions and business workflows with enterprise content services," said Rod Tonna-Barthet, CEO at Kyocera Document Solutions UK.

“Our partners are central to the success of our business and are at the core of our focus for this transition, we want to give them all the tools and technologies they need to help their customers transition to digitally-focused workplaces. With our expanded portfolio of services, our channel partners can go to market with a more comprehensive proposition for their customers, adding value across their technology estate, which complements their focus on printing and document management," he added.