It's full steam ahead for Nokia's channels. The company has created a Nokia for Business Multi-Channel Partner Ecosystem where various partner organizations can come together to deliver complete solutions that address specific business challenges.

"The Nokia for Business Channel Partner Program will bring various partner organizations together to deliver complete solutions that address specific business challenges in the business mobility space," he continues.

2008 has started off on a high note in the company's channel arena with the launch of new programs such as the Nokia for Business Operator Program which is designed to drive engagement and sell-through to business customers by offering operators value-added mobility solutions. Also kicking off this year is the Nokia for Business Independent Software Vendor (ISV) Program which as its name implies, is targeted at ISVs and extended to include Forum Nokia members that develop mobile applications for businesses.  By including Forum Nokia developers in the business mobility ecosystem, Nokia will help accelerate the delivery of complete business solutions to its customers, while also extending Forum Nokia providers' go-to-market reach and promoting value-added applications to Nokia for Business channel program participants for enhanced revenue and margins. 

According to Lee, security will be one of Nokia's key focus areas in 2008. To date, the company has over 50 accredited partners for security in Asia Pacific.

Channels are not something new for Nokia. The Nokia for Business IT Reseller Program launched in October 2006, followed by the launch of the Nokia for Business IT Distribution Program, were designed to create a more channel-focused and friendly business where delivering solutions via the IT channel is key. Initially, there were three program tracks for IT resellers - Security, Mobility & Voice. Each track was complete with a total channel offer that included go-to-market programs, incentives, training and support.

Commenting on the company's latest enhancements to its channel engagement, Lee says, "We have a complete channel ecosystem which involves operators, distributors, value-added resellers and ISVs. We see this as the key to unlocking the true potential of business mobility. Nokia has now delivered on its strategy for delivering unparalleled business devices to businesses and to individuals via multiple channels."

He adds, "Our partners stand out as they are well-trained, certified/accredited and are reputable businesses which have in-depth understanding of Nokia's business as well as the local markets, customer requirements, etc. These attributes facilitate and strengthen successful collaboration and channel engagement. Backed by the Nokia for Business Channel Program which delivers the best platform to the channel in terms of enablement and motivation, the channel is equipped to aggressively penetrate the market space to drive business mobility."

Channel-wise, Lee describes 2007 as a progressive year for Nokia, with the company constantly addressing the market demand from both businesses and individual users through complementary sales channels. Last year, the focus was on the IT channels, which included IT resellers and distributors.

Commenting on the company's Business Channel Program in 2007, Lee notes that they are pleased with the results and what they achieved as the program was the right platform for their channel to build as well as grow their business.

This year, the mobile communications giant will continue to build on this momentum. Explaining this further, he says, "Having announced the Nokia for Business Multi-Channel Partner Ecosystem which we hope to bring to fruition this year, we will focus on increasing channel enablement and readiness as well look at growing our accredited partners' business via the Nokia for Business Channel Program partnership."

Going forward, the Nokia for Business Channel Program will continue to evolve to a more converged channel program to address the market demand via different channels. Furthermore, more incentive programs will be introduced to complete the multi-channel ecosystem.

"Nokia is at the dawn of a new era in mobile communications driven by the rapid convergence of the internet and mobility, and we are setting the pace of change," states Lee.

He also acknowledges that with market leadership in an industry of this scale comes responsibility. Nokia, says Lee, is committed to taking a leading role in increasing environmental awareness and performance right across the industry, creating further products and services that help people make more sustainable choices.

He points out that Singapore, for instance, is an advanced market for mobile communications. "The well-developed infrastructure and the government's commitment in driving IT initiatives like Wireless@SG have made this a very strategic and easy place to do business. Nokia needs to constantly innovate and move concurrently with the markets to be committed to enriching the use of mobile devices in people's personal and professional lives by offering people connected experiences and services such as enterprise email, music, navigation, video, imaging and games."

Of course, the dynamic mobile market has its own set of challenges. Chief of these is that while the infrastructure is ready for mobile communications, it is still at an early stage in terms of business mobility. Nokia however is ready for this with Lee emphasizing.  "The Nokia for Business Channel Program which now offers a multi-channel ecosystem will continue to drive greater adoption in this area. Together with our channel partners, we will continue to unlock and unleash the true potential of business mobility." ◊