Cloud object storage player MinIO has named former NetApp and Pure Storage veteran Mike Marinchak as VP of global partner sales, as it widens its channel incentives programme.
The MinIO Partner Program is designed to meet the evolving needs of global customers as the demand for object storage “skyrockets” with AI adoption, said the vendor. The updated partner experience introduces new opportunities for partners as more customers rely on MinIO AIStor as their object-native storage system for AI.
MinIO says it has seen “149% annual recurring revenue growth over the last two years”, although, as a private company, it chooses not to post its actual sales figures.
The channel programme now offers “larger incentives” for revenue growth, enhanced training courses, enablement materials, and new certifications and tiering for partners in the MinIO ecosystem.
Marinchak formerly led channel and partner sales at NetApp and Pure Storage, and brings nearly 25 years of experience in the data storage and infrastructure industry. “After launching MinIO AIStor in late 2024, and setting a new bar for multi-exabyte AI data storage, the evolution of the MinIO Partner Program presents a massive partner opportunity as AI adoption drives exponential demand for scalable storage solutions," he said.
"The enhancements to the programme deliver significantly more value to our partners, as we continue to invest in expanding the reach and breadth of MinIO global offerings available."
Partners can realise a “4-5x selling opportunity” by bundling standardised storage hardware with MinIO AIStor and services, and they can build recurring revenues with “generous margins” for the entirety of the customer engagement, across renewals, up-sell and cross-sell, maintains MinIO.
MinIO also now offers partners dedicated deal support, enablement training, and a paid certification programme via the MinIO Academy to “arm partners with the skills, knowledge, and confidence required for success”.
