SAS launches channel partner program

New vice president and dedicated channel teams will drive BI sales opportunities

CARY, NC  (Aug. 28, 2006)  –  SAS, the leader in business intelligence, today introduced its new channel business unit for value-added resellers (VARs), systems integrators and independent software vendors  interested in selling SAS^® software in the Americas. At a time when the business intelligence (BI) market is among the fastest growing worldwide*, this group will deliver BI software efficiently and cost-effectively to small to medium-sized and midmarket businesses. 

“Alliances play a critical part in SAS’ overall business strategy for delivering and implementing SAS software. Now we’re going to the next level by including a ‘sell-through’ approach,” said Dr. Jim Goodnight, CEO of SAS. “Building out our network of partners to formally include VARs gives us an excellent opportunity to build our revenue stream and ensure that businesses of all sizes have better access to the power of SAS business intelligence. These relationships will be invaluable to the future success of SAS. ” 

Headed by industry veteran Miles Mahoney, who has built partner channel programs for Borland Software, Business Objects and Crystal Decisions, the new business unit will strengthen SAS’ position as the top independent software vendor in the BI market. With an established infrastructure that includes dedicated partner development teams, internal channel sales teams and system engineers, SAS’ channel program will focus on the SAS Enterprise Intelligence Platform, including business intelligence, data integration and advanced analytics.  

“This channel sales program will significantly increase SAS’ market penetration by authorizing our channel partners to resell the most comprehensive business intelligence software on the market,” said Mahoney, Vice President of SAS’ Strategic Alliances and Channels division. “SAS is a recognized and trusted brand that resellers can leverage across industries, and our world-class support ensures that partners can stay focused on meeting the needs of their customers.  By implementing a channel-neutral model and investing our sales efforts into top-level industry VARs, we’ve created a win-win dynamic for us, our partners and our customers.” 

SAS’ reseller program includes VARs such as Aviana Global Technologies, Claraview, COMSYS, Creative Computing, Mainline Information Systems, Qualex and ThotWave, among others.  SAS is also utilizing existing partnerships with well-known companies like HP and IBM to expand the program.  These resellers are reaching into new markets, helping organizations derive value from internal data that will impact future success.  

“Leveraging the value provided by the reseller channel is an excellent way to drive profitable revenue growth and increase market share,” said Stephen Graham, IDC Group Vice President for Global Software Business Strategies. “With this announcement, SAS is clearly stating its intention to further extend its market reach to include any organization requiring true enterprise intelligence.”

*IDC, “Worldwide Business Intelligence Tools 2005 Vendor Shares,” July 2006

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