More and more companies around the world are focusing on partners as part of their sales and marketing strategies.
Channel partners like distributors, franchises, or resellers play an increasingly bigger role in the sales process. This is driven, in large part, by the digital transformation of the business ecosystem.
For this reason, partner enablement software solutions are becoming necessary among businesses looking to build a solid partner enablement strategy.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top rated partner enablement solutions: examining their features and functionalities, as well as their pros and cons.
We’ll also talk about the benefits of using partner enablement solutions and what to look for while evaluating a solution.
Disclaimer: The information below is accurate as of January 28th, 2024.
What is partner enablement software?
Partner enablement software is a digital solution designed to empower channel partners with all the tools, resources, and partner training needed to become valued members of the sales cycle.
It offers all these resources in a centralized location instead of multiple locations like emails, phone calls, or customer relationship management (CRM) systems.
Partner enablement software systems help simplify and streamline the partner relationship management process.
Several major elements go into building effective channel partner enablement programs.
They include things like product and service training, product update education, sales training, digital tool training, and partner enablement content, among others.
While many in-house salespeople receive sales enablement training sessions, channel partners are typically left to their own devices.
A partner enablement software solution can be an easy way to meet your partners’ needs and make them more effective when dealing with customers.
Here are the ten best partner enablement tools currently available on the market.
10 best channel partner enablement tools & software on the market
We’ve examined the channel partner enablement tool market and compiled a list of the ten best platforms based on their features, functionalities, use cases, and what their customers had to say about them.
| Software | Best for | Top feature |
| Docebo | Increasing product knowledge and brand loyalty in channel partners | AI-powered personalized learning paths |
| Litmos | Partner sales training and enablement | Off-the-shelf content library |
| Grovo by Cornerstone | Designing microlearning content in video format | Create Tool for designing microlearning content |
| Impartner | Streamlining partner management | Impartner Training and Certification (T&C) module |
| LearnUpon | Course design | Gamification elements |
| Channeltivity | Partner recruitment and onboarding | Ideal partner profile designer |
| TalentLMS | Managing an international partner network | Multiple language support |
| Absorb LMS | Partner compliance | Observation checklists |
| Bridge LMS | Training partners with video content | Custom video training content |
| Mindtickle | Training and enabling channel partners on sales techniques | Sales-oriented role-playing and simulated scenarios |
1. Docebo
Docebo is an AI-powered learning management system (LMS) with powerful channel partner enablement and training capabilities.
It includes robust AI capabilities to create and deliver highly engaging and relevant content to your partner network. Docebo Shape, for example, uses AI to transform internal and external knowledge into small snippets of factual information known as learning pills.
These work wonders as sales enablement content whenever a partner is engaging a customer, for instance, and needs a quick recap.
Alongside other types of microlearning content, these learning pills complement Docebo’s branded and white-labeled mobile app that lets partners access content on the go.
Additionally, Docebo uses AI to make personalized course and content recommendations, as well as design customized learning paths for each individual learner.
The tool includes hundreds of third-party integrations, including customer and partner relationship management (PRM) tools. These help streamline partner engagement and deliver better learning experiences.
You can also use Docebo to onboard new partners, track metrics, KPIs, and training progress, issue and manage certifications, perform knowledge checks, and more.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- AI-powered content creation and delivery features for increased personalization, engagement, and knowledge retention.
- Wide selection of gamification and interactive elements (e.g., leaderboards, badges, quizzes, surveys, etc.) to boost engagement and retention.
- Good certification management capabilities that ensure partners are always up-to-date on your latest product and service offerings.
- Robust mobile learning via a white-labeled mobile app with offline learning and access capabilities.
- Good metrics and progress tracking features for data-driven insights.
Pros
- Plenty of customization and personalization options available.
- The customer service team via Chat Support goes the extra mile.
- Great for scheduling automated course-completion notifications.
Cons
- Permissions for Power Users need to be set manually.
- The certificate template builder is a bit complicated.
- Currently lacking reports on Skills.
Best suited for
Docebo is great for increasing product knowledge and brand loyalty if you’re aiming to make every partner a most valued player (MVP).
2. Litmos
Litmos is a cloud-based LMS with channel partner enablement and training features.
It includes content creation and course-management capabilities and supports multiple content formats like quizzes, presentations, videos, and SCORM-compliant modules.
Litmos also lets users customize learning paths across multiple relevant courses. They follow a logical progression, providing partners with a step-by-step process for using and presenting your product.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Off-the-shelf content library on various sales techniques, handling customer objections, or prospecting.
- Video assessments that allow your partners to practice their sales pitches.
- Mobile learning capabilities on any type of device for learning on the go.
- Progress tracking and reporting functionality for monitoring completion rates and running built-in reports
- Self-registration capability for partners to enroll themselves.
Pros
- The Litmos content library allows for a robust experience for all users.
- It provides valuable metrics for monitoring and tracking progress.
- Helpful customer support team.
Cons
- Unable to restrict user access by time zones or other similar admin controls.
- The Quick Reports function is not always accurate.
- New content is hard to find if you don’t know the exact title.
Best suited for
Litmos is best suited for companies that want to teach their partners with off-the-shelf sales training programs.
3. Grovo by Cornerstone
Grovo is a microlearning-focused platform part of Cornerstone OnDemand Extended Suite. You can use it to provide bite-sized e-learning content to your partners.
It includes a comprehensive training content library in video format. Topics include things like objection handling, customer interaction skills, and various other sales-engagement methods.
This short video format makes it easy for partners to increase their knowledge retention.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Microlearning content library on a variety of partner and sales enablement topics.
- Content creator where you can edit or design your own microlearning content for your partners to access on demand.
Pros
- It’s easy to use by both learners and admins.
- It lets you insert visual media like images and GIFs as visual aids.
Cons
- It takes a long time to upload videos to the system.
- Partners can’t leave feedback for their training material.
Best suited for
Best for companies wanting a quick tool to provide microlearning material to partners.
4. Impartner
Impartner is a PRM tool designed for fostering and optimizing long-term relationships with channel partners.
The tool also includes partner marketing automation capabilities and communications in the form of newsletters and social media marketing.
You can also personalize partner onboarding through tailored training and streamline pipeline management by syncing deal registrations and leads with your CRM.
Impartner also lets you build courses and include quizzes, generate reports, and do ROI analysis.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- The Impartner Training and Certification (T&C) module lets you offer T&C programs to partners.
- Create personalized partner onboarding journeys.
- Reporting and analytics capabilities that drive mutual revenue.
- Partner tiering into different ranks based on predefined criteria to drive performance and streamline compliance.
- Partner communications via targeted newsletters based on their preferences.
Pros
- Plenty of out-of-the-box functionality that helps with speed to market.
- Effective and responsive customer service and tech support.
Cons
- Only basic portal usage reporting metrics.
- A somewhat steep learning curve.
Best suited for
Impartner is best for companies looking to streamline their partner management and build lasting relationships.
5. LearnUpon
LearnUpon is a cloud-based LMS for employee, customer, and of course, partner training and enablement.
Businesses can use LearnUpon to create personalized learning roadmaps and separate training portals based on the specific needs of their target audience.
They can also include gamification and interactive elements in their course material and provide collaboration tools like forums, chat rooms, and instant messaging capabilities.
LearnUpon lets you track learner progress and gather partner feedback. The platform includes a mobile app for both Android and iOS for partners to access content while on the go.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Personalized learning paths for higher engagement and knowledge retention.
- Customizable certifications to keep partners up-to-date on the latest information.
- Online and offline mobile access for increased learning flexibility.
- SCORM and xAPI-compatible to ensure all types of e-learning content work properly.
- User management automation for streamlining admin workflows.
Pros
- Effective customer support.
- It’s easy to use, configure, and brand based on your needs.
- Intuitive user interface.
Cons
- Its learning paths could be more intuitive.
- Doesn’t include enough customization options.
- Insufficient gamification customization.
Best suited for
LearnUpon LMS is best suited for companies wanting to design their own learning courses for partner enablement.
6. Channeltivity
Channeltivity is partner management software with channel marketing, sales, and partner enablement functions.
The tool includes features relevant to partner management, most specifically geared toward partner recruitment and onboarding tools.
Channeltivity lets you define the ideal partner profile (IPP) and design partner onboarding workflows. It also includes new partner pipeline forecasting that lets you determine each partner’s lead-generation potential.
Most notably, the tool includes onboarding capabilities, training, certification, as well as joint business planning for better partner alignment.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Joint business planning module to set clear objectives, strategies, and tactics.
- Automated certification feature that automatically assigns or renews partner certifications.
- Personalized learning content based on user groups and profiles.
- Easy-to-use IPP designer with plenty of customization options.
Pros
- Easy-to-use UI for both partners and admins.
- Good customer service.
- Plenty of dashboard and UI customization options.
Cons
- There’s no way to embed an events calendar in the system.
- Doesn’t have email notifications if someone submits a new request.
Best suited for
Channeltivity is best for partner recruitment and onboarding when companies want to use IPPs.
7. TalentLMS
TalentLMS is an LMS for partner enablement with course creation, curation, and management capabilities.
You can use TalentLMS to personalize your partner training modules for each individual by using templates and an easy-to-use content editor.
The platform includes gamification elements, interactive features like quizzes and assignments, and well as customizable certifications. You can also host live webinars and generate custom reports.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Customizable certifications for ensured compliance and up-to-date product knowledge.
- Learner path customization that increases partner engagement.
- Gamification and interactive elements that further improve engagement.
- Progress reports that keep track of partner performance.
- Multi-language capabilities for an internationally diverse partner network.
Pros
- Good reporting capabilities.
- Can configure e-learning courses based on learning paths and certifications.
- Helpful and responsive customer service.
Cons
- The UI is functional but a bit unintuitive and hard to navigate.
- Lower plans don’t include a content library.
- The concept of Branches and Groups is a little hard to follow.
Best suited for
TalentLMS is best suited for large businesses with an international partner network.
8. Absorb LMS
Absorb LMS is a learning management tool with partner training capabilities.
It includes AI that facilitates content recommendations and boosts search results based on previous activities.
Absorb LMS also has a mobile app with offline access capabilities and the ability to brand it with your company’s logo, themes, and colors. It also supports push notifications.
The LMS provides e-signature capabilities and observation checklists to enhance your company’s regulatory compliance requirements.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Branded mobile app with offline learning capabilities for enhanced brand loyalty and learner flexibility.
- Reporting and analytics features to track partner performance.
- Observation checklists that help ensure compliance with regulations.
- E-signature feature that drives diligence and further improves compliance.
- Multiple-language support to reach a broader range of partners.
Pros
- Effective reporting tool.
- Responsive customer support.
- Easy to use and straightforward user interface.
Cons
- Somewhat difficult to update assessments.
- Some users found the training portal sometimes challenging to navigate.
- There is no bulk course editing capability.
Best suited for
Absorb LMS is best for partner compliance through its observation checklists and e-signature capabilities.
9. Bridge LMS
Bridge LMS is an employee and partner development tool that provides online courses, in-person training, goal tracking, and assessments.
It also includes a built-in course authoring tool, SCORM course upload, and learning analytics.
Companies can use Bridge LMS to customize learning paths, design quizzes, and assessments, and manage learners through group segmentation.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Built-in course authoring tool that is easy to use.
- Custom video training content creator where you can design product demo videos and other useful training material.
- Account segmentation capabilities to ensure customized learning experiences for every learner.
- Good analytics and reporting features that help bridge knowledge gaps.
- Timestamp commenting on training video content for more interactive learning.
Pros
- Solid UX and UI for both authors and learners.
- Customizable and user-friendly mobile app.
Cons
- Not enough automation features to keep manual inputs at a minimum.
- Doesn’t include a smart feature for learning path recommendations.
Best suited for
Bridge LMS is best for enabling channel partners through video content.
10. Mindtickle
Mindtickle is a sales and partner enablement software solution. It also includes revenue operations features like sales forecasting.
The platform provides content authoring and collaboration tools and a space where you can train and onboard your new partners and sales teams.
It also includes virtual sales scenarios, online coaching tools, and role-playing features where partners and sales reps can hone their skills.
G2 Rating
Top Features
- Heatmaps that track partners’ real-time progress.
- Sales-oriented role-playing and simulated scenarios.
- Personalized coaching on deals and skill development.
- Live instruction-led sessions for better knowledge retention.
- Sales certifications ensure channel partners are ready to use their skills in the field.
Pros
- Intuitive user interface.
- Effective gamification elements.
- Responsive support team.
Cons
- The search function is not always consistent.
- It sometimes experiences slow loading times.
- Not enough integration with third-party tools.
Best suited for
Mindtickle is best for organizations wanting to train their channel partners on effective sales techniques.
Benefits of using partner enablement software
An organization that uses partner enablement software has many different advantages.
Here are the three key benefits of using a channel partner enablement solution:
Effortless knowledge sharing
Channel partner enablement tools offer an efficient way of distributing training and sales enablement content.
It ensures that partners are always up-to-date on the latest product information, market trends, and sales techniques.
This seamless access to knowledge makes it easier for your partners to support your brand and products and boost their sales numbers. In turn, it can also lead to better customer experiences and higher success rates.
Increased partner participation
Partner enablement tools are a great way to increase learner participation, which can extend from the partner onboarding process and beyond.
Depending on your particular tool, you can create customized environments and personalized learning paths, including gamification elements like badges, leaderboards, and rewards, and brand and white-label the learning portals for increased immersion.
Take Definity Financial Corporation, for example. They are the parent company of some of Canada’s most innovative property and casualty insurance companies like Sonnet, Family, Economical, and Petline.
Definity has an audience of over 30,000 learners and is known for helping its customers, broker partners, employees, and communities adapt and thrive in a world of constant change.
However, they had trouble getting their learners to participate in their L&D programs. Only one percent were engaging regularly. But after using Docebo’s Learning Suite, APIs, instant content library, and branded platform, their user adoption skyrocketed to over 65 percent.
That’s a 6,500 percent increase in regular learner attendance and participation.
Reduced admin costs
Partner enablement platforms designed to increase revenue, boost sales, and drive brand loyalty can also help you reduce your administrative costs, boost workflow efficiency, and increase your ROI.
You can simplify the content creation process and reduce admin costs by using AI systems, automated features, and powerful integrations with partner and customer relationship management systems.
So, what types of features can help you achieve these benefits?
Key features to look for in partner enablement software
To get the most out of your channel partner enablement program, focus on tools that include the following features.
Personalized experiences
No two people are exactly alike when it comes to their experience, proficiency, culture, or learning style. What may work for one can completely fall flat for another.
Partner enablement LMSs should provide AI-powered personalized learning paths based on those above-mentioned factors and others.
They should also include different learning methods like social, multimodal, or blended learning.
These features have the potential to provide consistent learning outcomes across partners of different backgrounds, increase immersion, and boost product knowledge retention.
It’s generally through personalized L&D experiences that you can turn your channel partners into true extensions of your business.
Data-based insights
Professional partner enablement solutions include robust analytics and reporting capabilities. These allow you to track learner progress, monitor completion rates, and keep an eye on all performance-related metrics and KPIs.
Coupled with strong third-party integrations with tools like partner management software, you get to centralize your data and break otherwise isolated data silos.
These features let you better understand the effectiveness of your partner enablement strategies, identify existing bottlenecks, and make data-driven decisions.
Certifications
Certification programs are a great way to incentivize your partners to engage and learn more about your brand, products, and the value proposition they have to offer.
Certifications are also a great way to establish market credibility, increase partner performance, and ensure a consistent brand representation.
That said, how are you to go about choosing the best channel partner enablement system for your brand?
How to choose the best partner enablement software for your needs
While keeping the aforementioned key features in mind, also look at some of these other factors when on the market for a channel partner enablement tool.
Ease of use
An easy-to-use platform is almost always preferable to one that’s packed full of features and customization options that nobody wants to use.
You want a tool with intuitive dashboards and a user interface that makes it easy to navigate and find what you’re looking for. This includes admins, instructors, and learners.
It should preferably have a streamlined onboarding process and easily accessible training materials that will empower users to quickly understand the tool’s functionalities.
Ability to track ROI
The tool should be able to track performance and ROI.
You want a system that lets you monitor partner activities in terms of conversion rates, lead generation, engagement rates, and more.
This information lets you make informed decisions about your partner strategy and determine the effectiveness of your L&D programs.
Communication and collaboration tools
Another important factor to consider is how you can create effective lines of communication between your business and partner network.
Your partners should feel heard and have an easy way to give feedback.
As they’re often in contact with your customer base, you want to hear what partners have to say so that you can improve your products, services, and training programs.
You want a partner enablement solution that has built-in communication tools or integrates with these types of platforms.
Try Docebo for AI-Assisted Partner Enablement
To summarize, channel partner enablement software systems are an essential element in today’s business environment.
By including robust training programs, user-friendly UIs, integrations, and other useful features, these tools empower companies to optimize their partner networks and form long-lasting and profitable relationships.
As businesses rely more and more on channel partners, investing in such digital solutions ensures a competitive advantage and sustained success.
Schedule a demo with Docebo today and see how it can boost the effectiveness of your channel partners.