Level 3 Enhances Business Partner Program

Level 3 Communications Inc.’s Business Markets Group today announced it has added several new components to its Business Partner Program.

Level 3 has implemented joint go-to-market planning, in-depth training and competitive incentive programs, and additional Web-based planning tools. The comprehensive program enables select telecommunications agents and VARs to sell Level 3's fiber-based IP, data and voice communications services.

The enhancements to the program are designed to facilitate the adjustments that business partners require to move up-market and sell the more complex services, such as Ethernet and IP-based VPN services, Level 3 said.

The company said it has implemented go-to-market planning, a collaborative effort between Level 3 and participants in this program, to provide a basis for sales activities that enable participants in the program to target the right customers with the right services. Level 3 also launched a series of training and incentive programs.

Additionally, Level 3 has created a Web-based tool that allows business partners to quickly evaluate the target customer's proximity to the Level 3 network and qualify customers for fiber-based service solutions.

"Our Business Partners are an important part of Level 3's Business Markets strategy, and we are committed to providing a comprehensive program that enables our agents and VARs to be successful in selling Level 3 services," said Craig Schlagbaum, vice president of indirect channels for Level 3. "Since launching the enhanced program, we've placed a high priority on gathering feedback from participants and incorporating new elements into the program that are designed to help them succeed in today's competitive environment."

Level 3 Communications Inc. www.level3.com