Linksys One™ VAR Authorization Program FAQs

The CommPartners Connect™ for Linksys One™ service is an IP communications and applications solution for business that is exclusively sold and serviced through the Linksys One™ authorized VAR channel. Below is a list of questions and answers prepared by Linksys® that describes the process for becoming a Linksys One™ Authorized VAR.

How do I become a Linksys® Approved – Linksys One™ Authorized VAR?
Linksys® requires that all resellers interested in selling Linksys One™ first become a Linksys® Approved Partner. Companies wishing to apply for Linksys® Approved Partner status can go to the following web site and complete the on-line registration form: www.linksys.com/var

The Linksys® Approved Partner model is designed for resellers that: have a primary focus in the SOHO or small to medium business market, employ a face-to-face selling model, provide end users with pre and post sales services and support and derive a significant portion of overall revenue from the sale of complementary products to end users.

Once accepted as a Linksys® Approved Partner, you can then proceed to the training section of the Linksys® Partner website, review online course materials covering the Linksys One™  solution, and pass two online tests to achieve Linksys One™  qualification.

What are the Linksys One™ online tests like, how many employees need to pass it, and what is a passing score?
There are two online tests for Linksys One™ Qualification. At least one individual from your company will need to successfully pass each exam for your company to qualify for authorization. Linksys® does not require that the same individual pass both tests.

The first test, the Linksys One™ sales exam, consists of 20 multiple choice or true/false questions. An individual must score 80% or better (16 correct answers out of 20) to successfully pass the Linksys One™ sales exam. If an individual fails the test twice, they will need to wait 90 days before they are eligible to take the test again.

The second test, the Linksys One™ technical exam consists of 30 multiple choice or true/false questions. An individual must score 80% or better (24 correct answers out of 30) to successfully pass the test. If an individual fails the test twice, they will need to wait 90 days before they are eligible to take the test again.

Your test will be automatically graded upon completion, you will immediately see how you did and your score will automatically be reported to Linksys®.

How do I purchase Linksys One™ products once I am authorized?
Upon passing the Linksys One™  qualification, Linksys® will automatically notify our Authorized Distributor partners (Ingram Micro, D&H Distributing, and Tech Data) which resellers have achieved Linksys® Approved – Linksys One™  Qualified VAR status. Within 48 hours of notice, Linksys® distributors will code your distribution account information (which your company provided upon registering with Linksys®) with authorization to purchase Linksys One™ products. You will then be able to purchase and resell the Linksys One™ solution to your small business end users in conjunction with service provided by a participating Hosted Service Provider.

What benefits do Linksys® Approved – Linksys One™ Authorized VARs receive?

In addition to access to the Linksys One™ family of products, Linksys® Approved – Linksys One™
Authorized VARs receive:

• Special pricing on a Linksys One™  Demo Kit
• Access to recurring revenue opportunities for selling CommPartners Connect for Linksys One™  and related services (proprietary CommPartners solution)
• Purchases of Linksys One™  products qualify for Linksys® Business Series quarterly rebate program
• Access to Tech- to-Tech Support on Linksys One™  Products

What is a Hosted Service Provider?
Linksys® has created this designation for Service Providers like CommPartners who have met the following criteria:

• Certification of the Linksys One™  Service Node platform for use with their network services
• Completion of specialized training from Linksys® on Linksys One™
• Provide Tier 1 and Tier 2 Technical Support to partners selling their service
• Offer a bounty or recurring revenue opportunity for Linksys® Approved – Linksys One™  Qualified VAR partners selling their service

What benefits can a Linksys® Approved – Linksys One™ VAR receive from selling the Linksys One™ service offerings of a Hosted Service Provider?

CommPartners offers a unique partner program to reward Linksys® Approved– Linksys One™ Authorized VARs for service plan activations. Partner incentives include a monthly recurring revenue opportunity on revenues associated with a CommPartners Connect™ for Linksys® One deployment.

Where can I find a list of participating Hosted Service Providers?
Simply log in to the Linksys® Partner Connection website at www.linksys.com/var and select networking solutions. Under the Linksys One™  option you will find links to Hosted Service Providers. You can also call Linksys® at 800-LINKSYS, Option 1 for details.