HPE unifies partner programmes, expands AI & cloud training

HPE has introduced its unified Partner Ready Vantage programme, consolidating the firm's existing partner programmes across its full technology portfolio of compute, storage and networking.

The HPE Partner Ready Vantage programme offers partners access to simplified processes, flexible participation options and support systems to help deliver customer outcomes and enable business growth. The unified framework brings together previous offerings, including HPE Partner Ready and HPE Partner Ready for Networking, simplifying enrolment and delivering a consistent experience for solution providers, managed service providers, systems integrators, and independent software vendors.

One programme, streamlined framework

The move to a single partner programme is designed to allow partners access to the complete HPE portfolio. The approach features one programme framework, a single compensation model, and facilitates a consistent experience for partners. Key elements include modular enablement, expanded competencies, and dedicated support for building partner expertise in areas such as private cloud, GreenLake Flex, hybrid cloud operations and SASE.

"The new, unified HPE Partner Ready Vantage reflects our commitment to empowering partners and making it easier for them to differentiate with customers and grow their businesses," said Simon Ewington, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Channel and Partner Ecosystem at HPE. "This new programme is simple, flexible and relevant, accelerating partners' ability to engage with us, and deliver innovative solutions and services that provide brilliant results for their end customers."

Under the new Sell Track, partners are now able to resell the full range of HPE products and services through a single membership, including both operational expenditure (opex) and capital expenditure (capex) models by accessing HPE GreenLake Flex and traditional purchasing. This arrangement enables partners to opt for specific areas such as Compute, Hybrid Cloud or Networking through dedicated centres within the framework. Partners also receive core product training and can take up additional competencies for deeper expertise in private and hybrid cloud, AI, and other areas.

Enhanced enablement and certifications

Partner enablement remains a high priority, with expanded training, certifications, and competencies to support ongoing development. Recent additions include an HPE Solutions for AI competency, verifying knowledge in configuring HPE Private Cloud AI systems with NVIDIA technologies, and a Sovereign Cloud competency that addresses regulatory compliance and digital sovereignty in cloud environments. Other new certifications include VM Essentials and Private 5G, extending partner capabilities across a range of modern workloads and deployment models.

As an example, HPE GreenLake Flex is tightly integrated into the Sell Track and Hybrid Cloud Centre, allowing partners to resell as-a-service solutions. Opportunities are specifically noted for small and mid-size partners given current market momentum for these solutions. The programme's flexible centre structure supports cross-selling and targeted development.

Assessment and migration tools

HPE is also launching CloudPhysics Plus, a new assessment tool enabling partners to provide recommendations and help customers optimise their environments across on-premises, multicloud, and public cloud workloads, including Hyper-V, Kubernetes, bare metal and others. Partners will have free access to this tool in the fourth quarter of HPE's FY2025. Additional tools, such as a rapid migration tool, are available at no cost to partners in the Professional Services centre, supporting migration to VM Essentials and providing comprehensive migration feasibility analysis.

AI focus and learning opportunities

With the expansion of AI Focus partners to an additional 20 countries, HPE will provide more partners with access to AI readiness assessments, enablement, and investment opportunities. The expansion is designed to help partners build and scale AI practices, including workshops with resources from NVIDIA and targeted sessions on the latest developments in agentic and physical AI.

HPE has also developed a set of learning opportunities and workshops to support partner proficiency in AI. Partners will gain practical experience in configuring and managing AI solutions, supporting the development of tailored business offerings in this area.

Partner financing and data centre solutions

For a limited period, HPE Financial Services is offering reduced-rate financing on the HPE Private Cloud AI developer system, enabling partners to distribute costs over 36 months and demonstrate capabilities to customers without incurring significant initial outlay. Financing programmes are available to support both partners and their customers, with various options to manage or defer payments across different technologies.

HPE Smart Choice is now globally available through channel partners and offers ready-to-go data centre solutions targeted at small and medium businesses and mid-market customers. With fixed pricing and curated product bundles—including HPE ProLiant Compute servers, MSA and tape storage, and Tech Care Services—Smart Choice aims to simplify purchasing and speed up the sales process for partners in this market segment.

"Preconfigured options are exactly what our online customers are looking for - solutions that are easy to understand, ready to deploy, and available for fast shipping," said Kevin Samuels, Director of E-Commerce Brand and Content Management at BlueAlly. "These Smart Choice SKUs allow us to fulfill and process orders quickly, getting the product into the hands of customers faster and more efficiently than ever before. That speed and simplicity make a big difference in today's competitive online marketplace, where expectations around convenience and delivery are higher than ever."

HPE Smart Choice continues to expand, with the addition of Compute Ops Management and Morpheus VM Essentials, to further support partners in delivering comprehensive solutions for their customers.