The Extended Enterprise Delivered
Latitude Fact Sheet
Paths to Optimizing the Extended Enterprise
Channel Portal
Latitude channel portals drive performance through incentive systems, balanced scorecards, and learning and certification management systems. By providing a common platform and data between corporate and channel partner staff, the extended enterprise can reduce application support costs and manage channel learning and performance more effectively. 1
A web-based channel portal can provide a single architecture and a single launch point for applications that improve performance and processes. When channel partners number in the thousands, a performance-driven portal infrastructure supports the capacity and speed required to ensure that each partner operates at the same high levels of efficiency. Implementing a scalable and secure channel partner portal centralizes the support and maintenance of applications to provide better channel optimization capabilities. • Single point of contact to more effectively communicate with channel partners and develop applications that improve OEM-channel and channel-only processes Single launch point to reduce system variation and support costs of performance-driven applications Common platform and data to increase operational efficiency and channel visibility Embed knowledge in processes to streamline learning and performance management
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LATITUDE CONSULTING GROUP FACT SHEET
Channel Portal Channel Portal Applications
The portal that supports a knowledge-intensive channel needs the applications that will align channel performance with the extended enterprise’s strategic objectives. Applications must manage the learning and knowledge required to implement channel training and certification programs, which must be designed to help the channel meet strategic objectives. Incentive systems can increase channel program participation, and performance tracking applications can measure program effectiveness.
Incentive Systems
➣ Implement debit card incentive payment system to replace paper-based check systems ➣ Link incentives to certifications achieved by an individual, department, or channel partner ➣ Direct sales effort to common goals
Balanced Partner Scorecard
➣ Identifies the key performance metrics that align with business objectives ➣ Provides a guided analysis to engage problem areas in more detail ➣ Fosters greater cooperation in the extended enterprise
Learning and Certification Management
➣ Departmental skills planning tools for channel partners ➣ ‘Set-and-forget’ training planning that automates enrollment in courses that meet a certification or training need ➣ Extended enterprise learning management structure for targeted distribution of learning according to local and strategic needs ➣ Flexible, cascading certification structures that capture interrelated curriculum requirements on an individual and organizational level
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Performance-Driven Channel Portal
Typical portal functionality (data sharing, collaboration, automation, etc.) provides the technical infrastructure needed to align channel partner activities with performance objectives. CHANNEL PORTAL INITIATIVES
• Channel portal to reduce hardware and software costs • Applications that decrease learning curves to perform tasks
LATITUDE SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS
• Channel partner portal, building a centralized point-of-contact for an organization and its partners • B2B Application Development –performance tracking scorecards and other Business Objects, .NET, and J2EE applications • Hosting and On-Demand Support • Requirements gathering and analysis.