Under a single programme SuSE will address the specific businesses of system integrators, resellers, ISV's, IHV's, consultants, training and support providers, by organising the SuSE Partner Programme into four tracks: Business Partner, Technology Partner, Support Partner and Training Partner.

The new program includes three levels:

• SuSE Member Partner: The perfect start for partners who want to become more familiar with SuSE Linux, Member partners will receive a continuous flow of business and product information - expanding their own SuSE Linux qualification and market expertise. Access to SuSE's latest business products in combination with web-based technology workshops, sales presentations and material will add to the Member Level partner education. Member Level partners are also entitled to use the SuSE Linux Maintenance Web and Knowledge Database.
• SuSE Advanced Partner: For those partners already active in the Linux market, and who have indicated their competence, a proven track record in deploying SuSE Business Solutions, the advanced programme offers sales and marketing support. Advanced Level Partners will be entitled to wear the SuSE partner logos and market their profile on the SuSE web sites. They will have access to SuSE support facilities and each success Advanced Level partners have in selling or influencing sales of SuSE business products will be rewarded by the SuSE Leverage Programme, introduced with the launch of the new Partner Programme.
• SuSE Premium Partner: Is for those partners who are able to offer their customers extensive Linux technological expertise and professional services. Premium Level Partners will have full access to all available SuSE sales, marketing and technology resources. To further fuel their business, any buying inquiries to SuSE from potential SuSE customers will be transferred to local Premium Level partners.
• SuSE Leverage Program: SuSE Leverage is an "Influence Reporting" and "Skills Re-Investment" programme, designed for partners that generate demand for SuSE products. The programme helps SuSE partners to achieve and exceed the requirements for their level. The SuSE Leverage Programme only applies to SuSE Advanced and Premium Partners. As SuSE Partners continuously prove their success in sales and qualification, SuSE will recognise these efforts by investing more into joint sales, marketing, material and services.

Any company that has or plans to have services, sales, training, support, hardware or software in the Linux space and is willing to train their resources and is motivated to develop a commercial Linux strategy, is invited to join the SuSE Partner Programme. As companies prove their success in Linux sales - by revenue and success stories - and provide UnitedLinux certified resources or SuSE certified products, they are entitled to move up the value chain into the advanced level. The title "SuSE Premium" partner may only be bestowed by SuSE to the most loyal, highly committed enterprises, with a dedicated Linux strategy and a proven track record of successful SuSE Linux sales.

SuSE Linux also announced the appointment of Petra Heinrich as vice president, Partner Sales & Services. Formerly the vice president for SuSE's consumer business, Heinrich has been active in the IT sector for more than 14 years. She began her career at Lotus Development, where she led the Business Partners, Distribution and Partner Marketing efforts. One of her key responsibilities was the integration of Lotus Development's and IBM Software's indirect sales. Later, as Director Partner Sales at IntraWare AG, she assumed responsibility for IntraWare's international business development.