PARTNER OVERVIEW
Making It Easy for Customers to Buy & Use Keyware Products and Services
Sales are not guaranteed by having market-driven products available today, or even a significant lead in developing market-driven products for tomorrow. Strong, well-structured, well-managed distribution channels are necessary to present those products to customers.
In line with Keywares focus and strategy, we have undertaken to establish close relationships with reputable sales partners in different markets to take over this role on our behalf.
Direct Channel
Direct channel marketing, however remains an important element in the companys strategy through project work for key clients. Direct marketing also includes licensing to companies and governmental agencies to develop their own, need-specific systems using Keyware software and services. Finally, direct marketing establishes strategic alliances with companies of major stature. Such alliances tend to evolve when a company has an idea for a new product, which is developed jointly with Keyware, and marketed by the partner company. Sales then reimburse development costs, and generate revenues and profits for both partners.
Indirect Channel
Indirect marketing partners fall into three categories:
- Resellers: These are companies that either resell Keyware branded products or use them in customized installations. The term resellers covers a wide variety of partners, but they mostly sell Keyware products off-the-shelf with appropriate advice and counseling for the buyer (Value Added Retailers).
- System Integrators: These are companies who use Keyware products as components for large, custom-designed installations.
- Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). These are companies that produce their own branded products or services using Keyware components. Keyware actively seeks reputable manufacturers to whom to supply our software.
Partnership Policies and Support
As we pursue our shift towards indirect sales, third parties will increasingly influence the reputation of Keyware and its products. For long-term success, this relationship must be carefully supported. Keyware therefore engages in a number of activities to ensure that the reputation of the company and its product are protected and promoted:
- Vendor Training. We have developed technical and commercial training programs to ensure that all indirect vendors fully understand the characteristics and benefits of Keyware products and services. Vendor knowledge is regularly updated through refresher courses and we assist our vendors in lead generations. We have set up a Marketing Development Fund for joint seminars and workshops or joint participation in exhibitions and trade shows.
- Brand Identification. All indirect vendors, whether OEMs or resellers, agree to identify the Keyware component through the display of a highly visible Keyware logo on any products they manufacture or sell. Keyware builds and maintains brand awareness through the visibility of this uniquely distinct logo.
- Multiple Vendors. Keyware has a policy not to grant product or territorial exclusivity to any of its marketing partners. Our ambition is to achieve an optimal balance between active market coverage and focus on support for successful partners. This optimizes the potential commercial result without incurring the risk of restricting our operations.
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