• Accreditation programme introduces raft of benefits designed to support the channel and increase sales
• Platinum qualification to accreditation programme will offer the highest level of support to Telstra’s channel
• Building on existing relationship, Telstra Limited signs leading business-to-business converged IT and telecommunication systems supplier, Telinet, as first Platinum Service Provider
• Programme offers Telstra’s indirect channel extended choice of commitment with a selection of routes to market at both reseller and dealer  level

Telstra Limited, a leading provider of voice and internet services, announced the launch of its new channel accreditation programme with the signing of its first Platinum Service Provider, Telinet. Telstra has evolved its channel strategy following a series of acquisitions throughout 2004. The enhanced programme will focus on meeting the needs of the channel and maximising returns by offering a fully supported, comprehensive suite of voice and data services.

The accreditation programme will be offered to both Telstra Service Providers and Partners; the Service Provider resells Telstra products as part of their own service wrap, and a Partner sells a complete Telstra solution earning an ongoing commission. Both models are structured around three tiers, comprising entry-level ‘Approved’ through to the highest level of strategic ‘Platinum’ accreditation. In order to participate, companies must meet minimum qualification criteria, covering revenue, new business growth and sales and back office training.

Progression through the Approved and Gold accreditations to the Platinum level is dependent on the level of commitment to Telstra. In return for commitment Telstra’s indirect channel will receive an industry leading incentive and reward package. This has been designed to provide them with a logical route of progression from entry level at ‘Approved’ to ‘Platinum’ accreditation.

Key benefits of the revised programme include:

• Use of Telstra brand in sales collateral and website
• Entry to the Telstra annual sales incentive
• Funding of partner specific events &  incentives to reward and motivate staff
•  Funding and Marketing support to assist in planning, new business campaigns and production of collateral
• Lead generation programmes
• Promotion of complementary services on the Telstra website and intranet
• Sales assistance and support to close new business (including technical support for complex hosting and managed networks solutions)
• Corporate and media collateral

David Thorn, CEO of Telstra Limited explains:

"Telstra Limited’s indirect sales channel is fundamental to achieving our ambitious growth strategy in the UK. We believe the launch of this new initiative will significantly enhance our current offering, delivering tangible benefits to our partners and resulting in increased sales and revenue. We aim to strengthen our existing business relationships by focusing our investment into those partners who commit to Telstra."

The first Platinum Service Provider, leading IT and telecommunications system supplier, Telinet, has been recruited to the accreditation programme after a long standing and highly successful commercial relationship with Telstra Limited. Through the relationship, Telinet will provide access to Telstra Limited’s comprehensive suite of voice and data services to its base of over 600 clients. Despite existing relationships with a variety of telecoms and data service providers, the decision to commit to Telstra Limited was not difficult.

Says Matthew Lambert, Sales Director at Telinet:

“Customer relationships are fundamental to our business and it was clear, from our existing relationship with the company, that this is a vision shared by Telstra Limited. A major factor in our decision to enter into a stronger partnership with Telstra Limited was not just the comprehensive range of products and services available, but also these similarities between our company values. The Telstra accreditation programme allows us to utilise the facilities and expertise of a Tier 1 Carrier for Marketing and Support, allowing us to focus on our core strengths of providing tailored solutions to our customers.

This sentiment is echoed by Thorn:

“Telinet has gained an enviable reputation as one of the industry’s leading service providers which is why we approached them to extend our existing relationship. We share a belief in business growth through the delivery of value to clients and the continual development of our service and product portfolio. We are delighted to have them on board. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with the company.”

Ends

Media Contacts:

For more information or an interview, contact Rebecca Honeyman, hbl media

(020 7612 1830 / Rebecca@hblmedia.com)

For more information about Telinet, contact Tracey Farrant, Bull Marketing & PR, (01753 858063 / tf@bulluk.com)

Notes to Editors:

Telstra Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Telstra Corporation Limited (ASX:TLS). Operational in Europe for over 13 years, Telstra offers an extensive range of voice and data services including total managed network solutions using Global IP-VPN (MPLS), Internet, ATM, Frame Relay, Private Lines, hosting and co-location services and enhanced voice solutions to medium sized business and multinational corporations in the UK. Additional value added services include fully managed CPE, network reporting, consulting, planning, project management and customer support seven days a week.

Delivering connectivity business solutions, value-added services and complex managed IP solutions, Telstra Limited’s portfolio is complemented by its independently-owned and managed switched network. Switches are located in London, Birmingham and Manchester working alongside 14 co-location points throughout the UK. Additionally, a state-of-the-art, resilient data centre is located in London, Docklands.

Parent company, Telstra Corporation Limited, is a full service global telecommunications company.

About Telinet

Telinet is a network service provider, formed in 1993, offering a complete range of telephony and data network services, including VoIP, convergence and telephone tariffs to companies in all sectors. Telinet give innovative billing and customer care solutions to deliver real value to customers. www.telinet.co.uk