Mar 16, 2016
Windstream redesigns service model to better support channel partners
Windstream gives channel partners dedicated support, as well as access to increased
resources, information and tools, to improve the customer experience
LAS VEGAS — Windstream (NYSE:WIN, news, filings), a leading provider of advanced network communications and managed services, today announced that it has redesigned its channel service model to give partners dedicated support and access to additional resources, information and tools. The announcement, made at the 2016 Channel Partners Conference & Expo in Las Vegas, will help Windstream partners more effectively win and retain customers while also allowing the company to deliver more efficiency, better prioritization, and an improved customer experience.
The latest investments Windstream is making in its channel service model are part of a long-term strategy to simplify and strengthen the company’s channel program. Windstream will continue to invest in, expand and optimize its support capabilities to make it easier for channel partners to work with the company.
“We are committed to the success of our channel partners, and to giving them the tools and dedicated resources they need to be even more successful,” said Jason Dishon, Windstream channel chief. “The changes we have announced today will better align with how we sell to customers according to their unique buying behaviors and patterns. Additionally, by aligning the right resources with the right customers, functional teams will be more focused, engaged and efficient in serving customer needs.”
The benefits of the redesigned channel service model include:
• Indirect Channel – Windstream now dedicates sales engineering, sales support/sales order coordination (SOC) and account management to the indirect channel to improve communication, proactive marketing ability, sales enablement planning and customer base management.
• Sales Engineering – Windstream now offers dedicated sales engineering team members located across the company’s service areas to create an improved sales environment for our partners.
• Service Order Coordinators/Channel Advocates – Windstream has consolidated its service order coordinator and channel advocate programs to ensure more focused and responsive sales-support functions, including quoting, partner support and order entry/processing.
• Account Management – Windstream has transitioned to a channel-only account management model that increases support for partners. Support teams consist of account managers, service directors and a vice president.
“We’re excited about the enhancements Windstream has made to its channel program because it will help us close more deals by giving us a more focused sales, marketing and support organization,” said Karin Fields, chief executive officer and chief operating officer of MicroCorp. “The changes, coupled with Windstream’s continued investments in its nationwide fiber network, should enhance the overall customer experience.”
Redesigned service model follows recent enhancements to channel partner program
The redesigned channel model follows other recent changes Windstream has made to its channel partner program. Over the past few months, the company has:
• Channele Advocates – Windstream has added dedicated personal representatives to provide one-on-one communication and support. These channel advocates manage tasks such as fulfilling new enterprise quote requests, engaging partner support and escalating in-flight orders and enterprise accounts.
• Channel Partner Benefits Program – Windstream has upgraded its Channel Partner Benefits program. Partners can earn silver, gold and platinum memberships to maximize their benefits as their success grows. All partners will gain benefits such as co-branded marketing materials, quoting support, a dedicated channel manager and channel advocate, quarterly sales incentives and access to sales tools.
• Cloud-based Sales Tools – Windstream has given partners access to customer relationship management resources, providing partners greater power to close deals with the help of cloud-based tools.
“We strive to provide unparalleled co-marketing and sales support to our channel partners by optimizing our program year after year. These latest enhancements to the benefits program will help to ensure that all of our partnerships are successful starting on day one,” Dishon said. “Our main goal for 2016 is to enable our channel partners to focus on strategic solutions that drive market opportunities. Each partner will have a team of trusted Windstream advisers who will be there for ongoing support.”
About Windstream
Windstream Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: WIN), a FORTUNE 500 company, is a leading provider of advanced network communications and technology solutions for consumers, small businesses, enterprise organizations and carrier partners across the U.S. Windstream offers bundled services, including broadband, security solutions, voice and digital TV to consumers. The company also provides data, cloud solutions, unified communications and managed services to business and enterprise clients. The company supplies core transport solutions on a local and long-haul fiber-optic network spanning approximately 125,000 miles. Additional information is available at windstream.com. Please visit our newsroom at news.windstream.com or follow us on Twitter at @WindstreamNews.
Media Contact:
Jeremy Story, 720-299-0070
jeremy.story@windstream.com
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