Intelligent CIO Middle East Issue 31 | Page 17

NEWS Citrix unveils Ultimate Rewards programme to simplify channel incentives C itrix has announced an overhaul of its existing channel programme and introduced Citrix Ultimate Rewards. The programme is designed to make Citrix a better partner by simplifying the process and streamlining the incentives. The initiative is closely aligned with the company’s goal of helping customers make the strategic transition to cloud and is currently being rolled out in the region by recently appointed Taj El-Khayat, Regional Director for Citrix Middle East and North Africa. Taj El-Khayat, Regional Director for Citrix Middle East and North Africa By consolidating incentives, increasing automation and adding tracking capability throughout the process, Citrix Ultimate Rewards gives partners more time to work together with customers. It increases transparency and consistency of processes and decisions and through artificial intelligence can approve requests without human interference. Currently, partners often answer more than 30 questions before getting a deal registered, however the new system only requires nine questions for simple registration. the thresholds until most of the registrations are approved or rejected automatically. While the number of automatic approvals is expected to be conservative at launch, as the AI improves, Citrix will commit to expanding “I’m excited to bring the Citrix Ultimate Rewards to the region,” said El-Khayat. “We believe this cohesive programme is a major milestone in our long history of being a channel centric organisation. Partners will benefit from less complexity, so they can focus on delivering world-class customer experiences, ultimately making for a win-win situation where both parties grow and profit together.” Kodak Alaris information management division changes name to Alaris logo, and social media presence. The parent company remains Kodak Alaris. For decades, the global technology provider has delivered information capture solutions for businesses. New Alaris logo K odak Alaris has announced that its information management division will now operate under the name ‘Alaris, a Kodak Alaris business.’ Partners and customers will see an updated website, www.intelligentcio.com “Our new name is not about reinvention. It’s about reinterpretation,” said Don Lofstrom, President and General Manager, Alaris. “The division’s shift to Alaris puts greater emphasis on the image science expertise that helps clients make sense of data and information in their work. Rebranding will also help us target new markets, build new partnerships and reach new customers.” ///////////////// Kodak Alaris has three other business units: AI Foundry; Kodak Moments; and Paper, Photo Chemicals and Film. Each will continue to use its current name. Alaris-branded offerings were introduced last year with the launch of the Alaris IN2 Ecosystem. The new brand marked the shift towards integrated offerings that combined scanners, software and services. “The name is new but our Alaris line of scanners are built with the same unwavering commitment to productivity, reliability and quality that our customers and partners have come to depend on for years,” said Lofstrom. INTELLIGENTCIO 17