openDesk sales partner program: Simplified access for private IT service providers

The Center for Digital Sovereignty in Public Administration (ZenDiS) has further specified the plans for the sales partner program of its office and collaboration suite openDesk. In future, private IT service providers will be able to set up their own openDesk offerings without any red tape. The originally planned tendering process is no longer necessary. Onboarding of sales partners is still planned from autumn 2026.

Two-stage indirect sales model enables broad offering

A new element in the sales partner program for private IT service providers are distributors who take over partner support and market development on behalf of ZenDiS. They bundle the subscriptions required for openDesk Enterprise and ensure support from the component manufacturers.

The two-tier model with distributors and IT service providers enables ZenDiS to develop the market more dynamically and broadly overall. In addition to cloud providers and larger integrators, it also gives smaller IT service providers the opportunity to develop their own openDesk offerings both as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) and On Premise (OnPrem).

ZenDiS Managing Director Pamela Krosta-Hartl emphasizes the advantages of the model that has now been chosen: "We are bringing together two worlds that are often at odds with each other: Public procurement law and dynamic market development. This ensures that openDesk is supported by a broad partner landscape and that demand from a wide range of customer groups can be met."

Application for distribution concessions in spring

Applications for distribution concessions are due to open in Q2/2026. They will be granted for the whole of Europe. The tender will be announced via the ZenDiS website. IT service providers interested in the partner program can contact one of the authorized distributors after the award. The onboarding of sales partners is to take place from fall 2026 as originally planned.

The focus of ZenDiS itself will continue to be on strengthening the digital sovereignty of public administration. Accordingly, public IT service providers will be supported directly by ZenDiS. Cooperation is already possible today.