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Partner FAQs
Corporate Offices:
6451 El Camino Real, Suite A
Carlsbad, CA 92009

Business Hours:
Mon-Fri 8AM-6PM Pacific

Customer Support:
800-800-8273

Sales Department:
800-300-9426

General Administration:
Office: 760-804-2600
Fax: 760-804-2610
How do I become an Earnware Partner?
Earnware is always looking for qualified companies and individuals to work with. Prospective partners are invited to join the Earnware team based on their track record, vision, and financial ability to successfully market and sell Earnware products. For information about becoming an Earnware Partner, please request to be contacted by an Earnware representative by filling out our partner contact form. A program representative will assist you in determining which program best suits your unique situation.

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What training is involved in becoming a Partner?
Training is the cornerstone of a successful partnership. All partners are required to attend training commensurate with their applicable Partner Program. A minimum two-day end-user training is required for all Partners. More comprehensive administrator and customer service training is required for Service Providers, Certified Partners, and Certified Consultants. Topics cover every aspect of the Earnware platform including end-user functionality, account provisioning and billing, customizations, implementation, marketing support, and packaging.

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What costs are involved in becoming a Partner?
Each partner program carries different license, set-up, and training costs based on the resources required to provision your company. Marketing Partners pay a one-time $7,500 license and training fee in adition to the project management, professional design and development costs of their program which may vary significantly. Design and development costs can start out modest and conservative, or grow well into multiple six-figure investments for complete programs. Certified Partners pay a one-time $55,000 license and training fee in addition to their general infrastructure requirements such as; office space, marketing professionals, programming staff, design staff, general management, project management, administrative, and customer service personnel. In certain cases, financing is available for partners who are heavily investing in development and marketing during the initial start-up phase.

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Can your Partners host the solution on their own hardware?
In some cases, yes. We evaluate each of cases on an individual basis. Generally this requires private label branding and complete on-site set-up of all Earnware applications and costs $1.2 million. Qualified companies can call Corporate Sales at 800-800-8273.

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What types of companies does Earnware partner with?
Earnware partners with both large and small solution providers, vertical market specialists, consultants, and VARs who wish to incorporate Earnware into their offering and build an additional source of recurring revenue. Network Marketing, Real Estate, Direct Sales, Financial Services, and Insurance are a few niche markets that Earnware provides solutions for.

Every business requires unique applications and processes to fulfill its objectives. Earnware offers what we believe to be a comprehensive and flexible solution that solves many of the challenges businesses experience everyday, while offering the flexibility to adapt as things change. Oftentimes, Earnware makes much more sense than hosting and managing software internally. Defining the company's overall objectives and establishing clear processes are the first steps toward determining the most appropriate software solution. We would be happy to refer you to an Earnware Certified Partner who can determine quickly whether Earnware is right for your company.

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Can I manage my own reseller network?
Yes. Certified Partners are provided with a comprehensive back-office solution for managing their accounts and agents; it's called Earnware Management Console (EMC). Partners receive a complete business infrastructure for provisioning, billing, and managing accounts as well as tracking sales through their channel partners, resellers, and agents.

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How do I know which Partner Program is best for my company?
Call us. A Partner Program representative will assist you in determining which program fits your company and circumstances.

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Who uses Earnware?
Mobile professionals and businesses of all types and sizes use Earnware; from home-based business operators, to inside and outside sales agents, to distribution networks and organizations, and enterprise sales forces. There is a solution for most businesses; just about any industry can benefit from using Earnware.

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Do you offer industry specific solutions?
Currently Earnware offers custom tailored solutions for the Network Marketing industry and Real Estate. We are also pursuing partnerships with industry leaders and category experts in several other niche markets, including Financial Services, Medical, and Mortgage. If your company is interested in developing a custom Earnware solution call us to learn how the Earnware Web Services Platform is the ideal tool for developing tailored solutions for virtually any industry.

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What are the advantages of certification?
Product certification is the stepping-stone to complete understanding of the unique business solutions Earnware offers. Earnware Consultants are trained to deliver tailored business applications to their prospects and customers and possess the skills to confidently advise, implement, and support their clients' solutions. Certification also offers consultants access to a wide array of support services.

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How do I decide whether to sell Earnware through a partner or directly through Earnware?
Qualified companies and individuals are offered the opportunity to purchase a Certified Partner license allowing them to offer Earnware products to an existing customer base or niche market. Partners are selected based on their track record for success, technical and support resources, sales plan and financial wherewithal. Partners may offer their own sales opportunities, compensation plan, and support resources to their resellers, channel partners, and sales agents. Partners often complement their offering with other services such as marketing and sales content development, lead generation, custom programming, web design, training, and consulting. If your company is interested in learning more about becoming a Certified Partner or would like to be matched with a partner in your area, e-mail us at: partnerprograms@earnware.com.

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How do I customize the platform for my clients?
Earnware was built with the philosophy that the technology must work for the unique requirements of each end-user. With customizable web and contact forms, consultants and partners can create, implement, and manage tailored database solutions for their clients. "Master" configurations are set-up and inherited by assigned personnel within the client's organization. Security layers determine individual rights and permissions. Partners manage all customizations from a secure web interface. Our Partner Support team ensures consultants and solution providers receive the responsive phone and e-mail support required to effectively service their clients.

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How do I obtain a quote for customizing Earnware?
Written quotes can be obtained through a Partner or Earnware Consultant. To locate a partner, call us at 1 800 800 8273 or submit an information request form. In many cases, Earnware or the Partner can provide a preliminary estimate after only one or two phone calls, however multi-user installations often require more detailed discovery through a "Needs Assessment." Once completed, a more accurate quote can be provided.

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Why would a company choose a hosted service like Earnware versus an internal network or exchange server?
There are many reasons companies of all sizes are deciding to utilize hosted solutions versus managing an on-site IT infrastructure. Some of these reasons include:

a. Access to the latest technologies without the expense and risk of implementing and managing internal hardware and software.
b. The ability to remain focused on their core business rather than expanding resources into technology initiatives that offer no guarantees at often high costs of ownership.
c. Speed of deployment. Companies of all sizes are often able to implement a custom Earnware solution in a matter of weeks.
d. Support, Security, and Scalability. As the business expands or contracts, the application remains in sync with the company's circumstances while providing high-levels of security and disaster recovery. 24-hour human monitoring ensures up-time.
e. Reduced cost and lower risk of IT ownership.

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What are the main differences between Earnware and products like ACT!, Goldmine, Outlook, salesforce.com, Saleslogix?
All these companies offer quality services that fill certain needs for their customers. Earnware integrates many of the same functions while offering many of it's own unique features and benefits. The bottom line is every business should carefully review their overall business objectives, processes and work flow requirements prior to selecting any single technology. We recommend you schedule a detailed demonstration with a certified consultant who will take the time to learn about your business.

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Why should I add a CRM product to my current offering?
Business cannot grow without an effective CRM system in place. They all need them. Implemented correctly, CRM offers businesses profound improvements in their day-to-day effectiveness. Solution providers have the opportunity to diversify their core competencies and capitalize on the fast growing web services industry. CRM, office productivity, and communications services are among the fastest growing sectors in the ASP market and offer long-term recurring revenue potential in a virtually untapped market.

To compete and grow, every business must continually implement more efficient processes for managing their information and communications. CRM applications have become an important piece of the overall IT infrastructure and promise to deliver vast improvements in the way companies relate to their prospects, customers, and each other. Solution providers looking for additional sources of revenue will want to consider incorporating CRM into their offering.

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Can I sell Earnware without becoming certified?
Although we highly encourage all sales professionals and resellers to become certified, it is not required to be certified to promote products powered by Earnware. Individuals and companies interested in reselling Earnware can sell through a Certified Partner as a reseller, or often on a referral basis.

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What types of support do you provide for your partners?
Quality, responsive support is Earnware's solemn commitment to its partners. We work with each partner on an individual basis to assure that they have the support they need to be successful. Also, each partner is assigned a dedicated support representative who is responsible for the day-to-day tasks to help partners optimize sales opportunities and successfully implement Earnware for their clients.

Live phone and e-mail support is provided for every partner. Online help guides and live technical specialists work to ensure your clients experience a successful deployment. Our Partner Support Department is constantly developing new support components to better empower partners to market, sell, deploy and support Earnware more effectively.

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How do I track my orders?
Certified Partners are provisioned with the Earnware Management Console, or EMC; a complete web-enabled infrastructure for managing the many aspects of their businesses. Partners can customize product packages and price points, manage account profiles and billing, track reseller volume and commissions, and run detailed reports to detect trends and optimize opportunities.

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Can I charge clients for consulting, implementation, and training?
Yes. All Certified Partners and Consultants may charge additional fees for services offered in addition to the Earnware platform; you will need your own merchant account for this (which we will help you set-up and integrate). Partners retain 100% of any fees collected for their consulting services.

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Can I send my employees through Earnware training?
Yes. Earnware and its partners offer several training programs that are either generic or custom designed to fit your company. Typical courses are basic and advanced end-user training, administrator, and "train the trainer." These and other training options can be done via individual and group telephone training, one-on-one tutoring, automated web casts, help guides, and live on-site training. Either Earnware or a designated partner can create a custom training solution for your team. Prices vary. Contact Partner Support for details and scheduling.

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How much time does it take to learn how to use the Business Center?
Depending on your skill level, it's not uncommon for new users to develop an intuitive understanding and begin using the Business Center in less than an hour. It will, of course, take repetitious use of the system before every aspect of it is second nature to you and your staff.

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How much does Earnware charge for end-user training?
Certification training for a limited number of people is included in the certification licensing fees. Training for additional end-users varies per partner, however, typical costs are between $500-$1,500 per day, per user.

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How much does Earnware charge for administrator training?
Administrator costs are included with the certification and partner program fees. Training for additional administrators is $1,500.

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How do I connect with a Certified Partner?
To be connected with a Certified Partner just submit a partner request form. Include any specifics about your company and we will refer you to a Certified Partner based on the most logical fit for your business.

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Do you offer private label branding of the Business Center interface?
Yes. For organizations or communities that wish to brand the Earnware Business Center, a co-branded license "powered by Earnware" is available and can provide your company with the majority of branding real estate in the "graphical user interface" (GUI).

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Can I customize a Business Center to be copied to my team?
Yes, for organizations deploying Business Center to a growing group, Earnware can provide your team with a "Master" Business Center account that is custom configured and duplicated through an online sign-up form. Packages may include pre-loaded voicemail greetings, fax, and e-mail documents, scripts, training, website templates, folder configurations, and campaigns.

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Who provides customer service and technical support?
Certified Partners typically provide industry or product specific customer service to their end-users, while Earnware provides second-tier support to the partner. However, we can provide first-tier customer service for your end-users for a period of time while you build your infrastructure.

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Do you offer live phone support?
Yes. Certified Partners provide their own phone and e-mail support backed by Earnware's second-tier customer and technical support team. However, we can provide first-tier customer service for your end-users for a period of time while you build your infrastructure.

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How does your packaging and pricing work?
Packaging and pricing varies based on the desired feature sets of each user community. For example, some users may need a toll-free number while others do not. Packages are tailored with a degree of flexibility to allow companies to match features with users. That way, no one is obligated to pay for features that don't get used. Individual account pricing typically varies between $29.95 and $69.95 per month, per user.

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Other than a web browser, what hardware or software is required to run Earnware?
No additional hardware or software is needed other than a computer with a connection to the Internet. Although not required, performance is greatly enhanced on computers using at least a cable or DSL connection, a Pentium III processor, 128MB RAM, and the latest version of Microsoft Internet Explorer.

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Do you offer consulting and customization services?
Yes. Earnware's professional services team can be contracted to customize the solution for the unique requirements of your business or vertical market. Services available include custom database programming, creative development, business strategy consulting, and marketing support.

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Do you offer web design services?
Yes, we do offer custom programming and creative services through the Partner network. Presented with a specification document or RFP (Request for Proposal), Creative Services can custom design and replicate your website for groups of any size. Design services include logos, page layout, forms, flash presentations and all visual elements of your Internet presence. All websites are integrated with the Business Center and projects are managed through a designated Certified Partner and Earnware Consultant. Prices are determined by the needs of each partner or customer.

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