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CRN Exclusive: Puppet Channel Chief On 'Partner-Centric' Transformation And DevOps Opportunities For The Channel
Kyle Alspach
Are you recruiting new partners?
Right now I would say that we're not actively trying to expand our partner base -- what we're doing is solidifying base that we have. This is not a mass expansion. What we're really doing is making sure we're focused on the partners that have already demonstrated a proficiency to perform, that have trained and certified some individuals, but are looking to increase their service offerings around Puppet. And driving that outcome, as opposed to trying to add any more partners. Globally we have 174 total partners. We divide them up into what we classify as corporate -- which is the baseline entry -- and then Silver, Gold and Platinum. We only have four Platinum partners, and they have differentiated themselves by having the highest degree of certification, as well as being active service delivery partners for us as well. They provide service around the things that they sell, and we also integrate with them to help them deliver solutions that've been sold -- some of the most complex things. If you know Puppet, you realize, we're not shrink-wrapped software. It's powerful code, but you actually have to have some intelligence to do what you want it to do.