Building enduring alliances, Infor focuses on selective partnerships

IT writer Sok Yee Tham shares an exclusive interview on Channel Asia with Infor’s senior vice president and general manager of Asia Pacific and Japan (APJ), Terry Smagh, relayed his focus on establishing “longevity” with partners by identifying commonalities and how they complement each other. Tham shares how Infor aims for long-term, strategic collaborations to ensure effective partner management and that partners have sufficient market share for success. According to Smagh, Infor has traditionally leveraged channel partners in ASEAN, and the partner network is one of Infor’s “most established” network in Asia Pacific when compared to other regions. Smagh notes in the interview the tech giant’s strategies with their channel partners, “Although Infor’s ASEAN strategy has been tapping on these partnerships, the company recognizes it may be “jaded”. However, Smagh assured that the company is “changing and evolving”. He outlined that Infor’s strategy involves considering how to engage with partners and make them successful, highlighting a collaborative approach in their partner strategy.” Additionally, Smagh comments that he finds partners complementary and integral to Infor’s business. He aims to do so by providing support, engagement, education and funding to partners. Furthermore, Infor plans to launch their global partner program in the first quarter of 2025.