Workplace from Facebook is enhancing its partner programme and has indicated it is on the hunt for more resellers to swell its ranks.
The firm is revamping its Workplace One Partner Programme and plans to get more channel players on board to widen its market reach beyond the five million paying customers that currently use its online collaboration and communication tools. The offering is currently being used by businesses large and small, putting it squarely in the sights of resellers and managed service providers (MSPs).
Facebook is reaching out to channel firms that want to resell or build services on Workplace, offering resources and information, and signalling that the expanding market means there are growth opportunities for those that get involved.
Partners that do take the plunge will have access to incentives, go-to-market support, training and certification. Developers will be able to access application programming interfaces (APIs) and beta programmes, as well as gettin insights into the product roadmap.
“We are building a different model where we can focus on the success and opportunity for our partners first. As Workplace continues to grow, there’s an increased need to have partners who can help build, deploy and support the Workplace platform,” said Ernesto Tey, director of Workplace from Facebook.
In a blog post, Tey said the channel had already proved its worth to the company. “Partners are already central when it comes to meeting the needs of our customers. Today, over 50% of Workplace deals globally include a partner in the pre- or post-deployment phase. Our ambition is to see this number grow even more,” he wrote.
“As Workplace continues to grow, there’s an increased need to have partners who can help build, deploy and support the Workplace platform”
Ernesto Tey, Workplace from Facebook
“Our partners are helping organisations transform the employee experience, including how companies communicate with their people, build a community and get work done. Partners can help companies solve problems including remote working, employee engagement and a lack of two-way business communication,” added Tey.
The programme enhancements come at a time of change for most customers, when a year of remote working has had a profound impact on many organisations, with most moving their teams onto online collaboration platforms.
Workplace has the benefits of the Facebook brand association, with the experience familiar to anyone who has also used the social media platform.
“Workplace is quick and easy for customers to try out, use and understand. It’s based on familiar Facebook features, so adoption rates are very high – and training costs can be close to zero,” said Tey.
Most of the key players in the collaboration sector have stepped up their investments to increase video functionality, and Facebook is no different, having rolled out Workplace Rooms, a video conferencing service, last May in a bit to retain a competitive position.
