In its initial channel programme launched this August, DataFort offered channel partners 20% of the ongoing revenue from licensing, but retained the revenues and responsibility for handling the installation and ongoing support. Whilst this option will remain open to the channel, high sales volumes in the third quarter 2002 and expected figures for 2003, have forced the company to explore the option of giving more of the service business to its partners.

"Many of the resellers who have joined us since August have already expressed an interest in handling the installation and ongoing support contracts," explains Marcie Terman, DataFort's business development director. "With the current and projected sales volumes, we are now happy to hand over this side of the business, allowing us to place more focus on product development. As a part of this more committed channel strategy, we will also pass Premier dealers the leads we receive from the website and from DataFort's broader marketing campaign."

Interested channel partner's will be given a detailed training manual and access to a dedicated extranet incorporating a short 'How to sell DataFort' guide and detailed installation and product information. They will then be required to pass a short online exam in order to gain official Premier partner status.