The VAR Guy

At first glance, SugarCRM has launched new programs to train customers on open source CRM (customer relationship management). But take a closer look and you’ll see the continued evolution of SugarCRM’s channel partner program and SaaS (software as a service) initiatives. Here’s the scoop.

SugarCRM this week launched the Sugar Authorized Learning Program, an instructor-led training program initially backed by:

• Levementum and Plus Consulting in North America
• iZeno and Bhea Knowledge Technologies in Asia
• and Redpill-Linpro in Europe

In essence, the Sugar Authorized Learning Program transforms several of SugarCRM’s channel partners into training partners.

In case you haven’t kept your eye on SugarCRM, the company has a fast-growing partner program. Indeed, SugarCRM was ranked No. 11 in The VAR Guy’s Open Source 50 channel program report.

Now, for the big question: A few months ago SugarCRM told The VAR Guy that roughly 30 percent of the company’s new business involved hosted/SaaS (software as a service) deployments.

With the SaaS trend in mind, The VAR Guy wonders: Will Sugar train and certify channel partners to host SugarCRM in their own data centers?

It sounds like SugarCRM is heading in the SaaS direction with partners. Tata Communications, for one, has announced plans to offer SugarCRM on-demand (translation: SaaS) in Inda.

The VAR Guy is updated multiple times daily. Don’t miss a single post. Subscribe to his newsletter, RSS feed, Twitter feed and Resource Center.

Read More About This Topic

• SugarCRM: Channel Partners, Microsoft Assisting Growth
• Open-Xchange, SugarCRM Collaborate to Challenge Microsoft
• Compiere Prepares Open Source ERP Partner Training
• SugarCRM CEO Sets Aggressive 2010 Revenue and Channel Goals
• Microsoft’s Other Windows Project: Azure Nears Launch