CLP Central Launches, Forges Ties between Vendors and Consultants

CLP Central, the culmination of efforts from UCStrategies and The Brookside Group, launches a highly interactive site that brings vendors, solution integrators, and consultants together.

CLP Central addresses the longstanding need for a cost-effective venue for startup and smaller UC vendors that recognize the importance of maintaining relationships with consultants. The name and goals are similar to Consultant Liaison Programs (CLPs) that larger organizations implement.

CLP Central is designed to deal with the high cost associated with a CLP. It does so while ensuring that consultants work in an environment where their knowledge and confidence are not undermined when considering and recommending various solutions from vendors.

Closely working together for 18 months, UCStrategies and The Brookside Group designed CLP Central to deliver the following to vendors and resellers:

• An integrated vendor portal for consultants to readily access when comparing requisite vendor information and tools
  
  
• Regular email updates
  
  
• A carefully maintained Reseller Directory to make it easier for consultants and resellers to find each other
  
  
• A consultant finder service aiding large enterprises, mid-sized, or small businesses to locate the most qualified information and communications technology consultants suitable for their organizations

CLP Central is not touting to serve as a replacement for existing CLPs. What it will do is to complement existing CLPs by offering various services not covered by traditional CLPs. The suite of services includes an expansive recruitment system of new consultants and a survey/tracking service designed to gauge a particular vendor’s segment of consultant authority. The aforementioned services are said to benefit vendors who have no means to obtain the information and insight required to properly evaluate the success of their programs.

“Nearly 60% of consultants work with vendor partners (resellers) in joint support and management of solution deployment for the customer,” said Jim Burton of UCStrategies. “As vendors increasingly sell through the channel, consultants are increasingly seeking qualified resellers as both potential providers of solutions for their clients and as solution deployment partners. Resellers and SIs will be able to reach out to consultants through CLP Central’s reseller directory or through their own CLP.”

“Vendors who support consultants through an effective CLP, like they do channel partners, will drive new opportunities and together bring more value to their mutual customers,” said Mick Sawka of The Brookside Group. “CLP Central will help more and more vendors, especially those without CLPs, engage the right consultants, help them bring more solutions and value to their clients, build new business opportunities for both parties, and increase their share of consultant influence.” (KOM) Link

Also on UCStrategies.com on this topic:

• CLP Central: Where Consultants, Vendors and the Channel Connect (Industry Buzz Podcast)
• A Trusted Resource for Trusted Advisors, by Dave Michels