ShoreTel PartnerStart Program Enables Partners to Install Cloud Services

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov. 29, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- ShoreTel® (NASDAQ: SHOR), a leading provider of communication solutions that make interactions simple, announced today it is offering PartnerStart, a program that allows partners to take ownership of the installation process for ShoreTel Connect™ CLOUD customers.

PartnerStart empowers the partner as the single point of contact for customer installations, allowing the partner to remain the central point of contact for the customer. The program was developed with input from ShoreTel partners, who are always looking for ways to deliver a great experience for customers and differentiate their services.

"Enabling our partners to provide installation of ShoreTel Connect CLOUD services for their end users is a game changer," said Heather Tenuto, vice president of global go-to-market programs and strategy at ShoreTel. "Partners get the opportunity to differentiate from each other and provide customer-centric services, previously provided by ShoreTel. This increases customer satisfaction while shifting top-line revenue to the partner's business. With PartnerStart, everyone wins."

PartnerStart requires partner certification, with ShoreTel providing tools and training academies to ensure success. ShoreTel also assigns a project manager as the partner's single point of contact for any assistance needed. Tenuto noted that ShoreTel has already seen strong interest from the partner community.

"Based on the sales process, we have a strong understanding of the customer and a personal relationship with them, so it makes perfect sense to provide them with a higher level of assistance in the installation phase," said Chris Frey, vice president of operations at Converged Technology Professionals, a ShoreTel Platinum partner. "By being the customer's primary contact throughout design, discovery, installation and training we're able to provide red carpet customer service while bringing in an additional revenue stream."

Alan Burdine, president of CRI, a Gold ShoreTel partner, adds, "With PartnerStart, ShoreTel is declaring the value and necessity of the partner in the UCaaS space and providing the opportunity for all customers to obtain a consistent, high-touch service experience no matter what type of Connect deployment option they choose."

About ShoreTel, Inc.
ShoreTel (NASDAQ: SHOR) provides businesses worldwide with communications solutions that make interactions simple. From business phone systems, unified communications and contact center solutions to a fully hosted voice and SMS development platform, ShoreTel delivers unmatched flexibility and ease for companies looking to increase productivity and drive innovation. ShoreTel offers solutions in the cloud, onsite or a hybrid of both, giving customers the freedom to choose the best fit for their business needs now and in the future. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., ShoreTel has offices and partners worldwide. For more information, visit shoretel.com .

ShoreTel, ShoreTel Connect and the ShoreTel logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of ShoreTel, Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. All rights reserved. All other trademarks, trade names and service marks herein are the property of their respective owners.

ShoreTel contact:
Katie Maller
408-962-2786 
kmaller@shoretel.com

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SOURCE ShoreTel