Brother International Corp. has announced that CRN has awarded it a five-star rating in CRN's 2021 Partner Program Guide. This annual guide provides a definitive list of the most notable partner programs from industry-leading technology vendors that offer innovative products and flexible services through the IT channel. The five-star rating recognizes select vendors that go above and beyond in their partner programs to help push growth and positive change.

Given the importance of IT vendor channel programs, CRN develops its annual Partner Program Guide to give the channel community a detailed look at the leading partner programs offered by IT manufacturers, software developers, service companies and distributors. Vendors are scored based on investments in program offerings, partner profitability, partner training, education and support, marketing programs and resources, sales support and communication.

The Brother Authorized Partner Program was selected for its commitment to supporting partners with innovative solutions. In 2020, Brother debuted a new, unified Partner Relationship Management platform to streamline its program and ensure partners can access resources from a centralized, digital-first portal. The Brother Partner Authorized Total Hub (PATH) is a one-stop shop to seamlessly manage and access tools and resources available, including access to the Brother Knowledge Center, product and solution details, marketing content and much more. The portal builds on the existing program to provide critical support for its valued partner ecosystem.

"It's an honor to be recognized by CRN again this year," said Stephanie DeSanto, senior partner program development manager, Brother International Corp. "We're always striving to embody the Brother motto, 'At Your Side,' with our partners, customers and within our own walls. Brother PATH was built to provide support to our partners' ecosystems digitally and to enable their businesses' to thrive. It was also created with ease of use in mind. Utilizing the PATH supports our partners success in selling, marketing and learning about Brother products."

"CRN's Partner Program Guide delves into the strengths of each organization's partner program to honor those that consistently support and promote good change within the IT channel," said Blaine Raddon, CEO, The Channel Company. "Innovation fuels the speed and complexity of technology today, and solution providers want partners that can keep up with and assist them in growing their business."