A unique location, fine coffee at a great bar, and inspiring rockers. What I experience at my first meeting with our distribution partner Zibris blows me away. A report on the partnership between Netstream Zibris.
"I used to think that partnerships were always the same and therefore boring. As boring as a classical concert when the music doesn't appeal to us and slow movements drag on forever," says Björn, our Cloud Sales representative, as we drive from Netstreamoffice in Dübendorf Lucerne. "For me, classical concerts are a symbol of boredom—the long notes resonate through your whole body and you feel paralyzed. Running away is not an option. And today? Today I know that partnerships can rock," he continues.
It is 8:00 a.m. I, Natasa Kovacevic, Marketing & Communications Manager at Netstream, am driving to Lucerne with Björn to visit Zibris AG. Zibris has been our distribution partner for our Cloud for a few days now. This is the first face-to-face meeting between the two marketing departments.
"Here I am. Ba-bam. Ba-ba- Rock you like a Hurricane." As I sit in Björn's car, still smiling at Björn's last words, Björn grooves along to "Rock you like a Hurricane" by Scorpions.
How it all began
"You know, Natasa, Zibris AG isn't your typical distributor. It's a rock band—just like us," says Björn with his charming Dutch accent, while briefly using his hands as air drums. Björn tells me how it all began.
"It was important for us to find a distribution partner that suited us. With Zibris, we chose a partner with whom we can grow together." Björn becomes serious, but continues to groove.
A partner that suits us? Can I look forward to a partner who implements their projects with passion and empathy and is enthusiastic about serving their resellers and customers? "What exactly do you mean by that?" I ask Björn. "Wait until you get to know us—you'll find out for yourself," he replies. Slightly irritated by his answer, I start to feel nervous. But I accept his answer.
Dramaturgical preparation for the first meeting
Arrival in Lucerne. After an hour's drive and Björn's dramatic preparation for the meeting, I am delighted that the moment has finally arrived. "So Natasa, now let yourself be surprised." Björn gives me these last words to take with me. He says nothing more. We get into the elevator and go up to the third floor. I am excited about what lies ahead.
"Zibris is a rock band. Just like us."
Woooow! When I arrive at the entrance to Zibris, I am blown away. What I see is not what I had imagined. I am greeted by rockers. I remember Björn's words, which I hadn't really taken seriously in the car earlier. "Zibris is a rock band." And now? Now there's a real rocker standing in front of me.
Mariano Isek, Managing Director of Zibris AG, greets me with a broad smile. His gray 10 cm long beard, his tattoos, and his inspiring manner captivate me.
"Welcome to Zibris. I'm delighted to meet you today. May I offer you something to drink?" Mariano leads me to Zibris's own drinks bar. I can't stop marveling at it.
I ask the bartender to make me a delicious coffee. Yes—I don't usually drink coffee. But today I can't resist.
While I'm chilling with my coffee, I meet some more Zibris folks. Like Philip Hasler, graphic designer at Zibris. Even though he doesn't really look like a rocker, I can tell there's a rock star inside him. Will that turn out to be true?
Right. But now it's getting serious. Or is it?
Our meeting starts promptly at 9:00 a.m. Mariano Isek and Alexis Caceda, CEO of Netstream , stand before us. All eyes are on them. "Netstream a strategic partner for us, with whom we will grow together with our resellers in Cloud," begins Mariano Isek.
Alexis Caceda : "We leave the direct sale of Cloud services to Microsoft, Google, AWS, Swisscom & Co. With Zibris, we have found the perfect distribution partner. Together, we are rocking the Cloud market."
I just can't wipe the big smile off my face. I am thrilled by the people who are involved and delighted to be part of such a great story.
Over the next few minutes, we will talk in a highly focused manner about the next milestones—always with a clear goal in mind.
Benefits for resellers
"Together we'll rock the Cloud market." I'm just now realizing what Alexis Caceda meant Caceda that statement.
The partnership between Netstream Zibris gives resellers the opportunity to move away from traditional hardware project business and toward a retention revenue setup. Resellers can now offer their existing customers Cloud and Cloud them Cloud professional Cloud on their journey to the Cloud . Netstream is always available to provide its Cloud. Resellers also benefit financially from the strong partnership between Netstream Zibris. Netstream the only Cloud that sells its Cloud 100% through resellers and offers healthy double-digit margins.
Benefits for end customers
End customers also benefit from many advantages. For example, they can continue to use their trusted reseller if they wish and also purchase high-quality Cloud. Tailor-made solutions are also part of the portfolio. With Netstream the manufacturer, end customers also benefit from Swiss data storage and a high Cloud. End customers receive free accompanied proof of concepts (POCs). This allows them to test directly whether their Cloud works as desired. At the same time, they can find out which combination of infrastructure components is optimal for them. This ensures that all the hoped-for benefits are realized.
Thank you, Netstream.
I don't like them! I'm talking about surprises. And yet I had a great day today. I will long remember the many cheerful people and the enthusiasm for what we have created together so far. Thank you, Netstream, for letting me be part of the team. And now I'm looking forward to rocking the Cloud market together with Netstream Zibris. To quote Alexis Caceda: "Together, we're going to rock the Cloud market."
