As part of the annual Partner Program Guide, CRN designates some vendor channel programs as 5-Star Partner Programs. Here are the 5-Star Partner Programs among cloud vendors for 2026.
Sky’s The Limit For Cloud Partner Programs
A great deal of IT processing has shifted from on-premises to the cloud, increasing the demand for public and private cloud platforms, infrastructure and services. It’s also boosting the demand for cloud services and expertise from the solution providers and MSPs that work with those vendors.
The CRN 2026 Partner Program Guide offers the information solution providers need to evaluate the channel programs operated by the IT vendors they work with or are considering partnering with. The guide is based on detailed applications submitted by vendors outlining all aspects of their partner programs.
As part of the Partner Program Guide, CRN designates some programs as 5-Star Partner Programs because they provide the most comprehensive lineups of incentives, resources, training, services and benefits.
Here we provide snapshots of the 5-Star designees in the cloud space, a category that includes cloud platforms, infrastructure, tools and services. Details of every vendor’s partner program can be found at the 2026 Partner Program Guide page at CRN.com.
Slide shows in the 5-Star Partner Program Guide series include companies that provide products and services in eight technology categories: cloud, computing, data center, MSP platforms, networking, security, software and storage. A separate list will highlight startup companies with 5-Star partner programs.
While many companies provide products and services that span multiple technologies, we’ve assigned each vendor to the slide show for the technology category in which they are most prominent.
The text concerning the biggest changes to partner programs has been taken from each company’s PPG application and lightly edited.
11:11 Systems
Program Name: 11:11 Systems Partner Program
Channel Chief: Moosa Matariyeh, VP, Global Channels
Most Significant Changes To Partner Program Over The Past Year
The most significant change to the 11:11 Partner Program this year is the expansion of our portfolio to include comprehensive connectivity services. This strategic enhancement reinforces 11:11 Systems’ position as a partner-centric provider and enables reseller partners—many of which have not historically pursued network services—to access a new, sustainable revenue stream. Whether procuring circuits, leveraging aggregation or delivering fully managed networking, partners can now offer complete, end-to-end solutions through 11:11. This development extends partners’ solution breadth, improves their ability to drive predictable recurring revenue, and strengthens customer engagement by consolidating critical networking and cloud capabilities under a single provider.
In addition, the expanded portfolio positions partners to capture a greater share of wallet, differentiate in competitive pursuits, and support customers’ modernization initiatives with a unified, service-led approach. Together, these advances mark a material evolution of the program and underscore our long-term commitment to enabling partner growth, profitability and customer success.
Partner Program Details: https://www.crn.com/partner-program-guide/ppg2026-details?c=1
Akamai Technologies
Program Name: Akamai Partner Connect
Channel Chief: David Allen. VP, Sales Leader
Most Significant Changes To Partner Program Over The Past Year
Over the past year we introduced Akamai Partner Connect, a major transformation of our global partner program designed to drive greater simplicity, alignment and growth. The program delivers extreme simplification across all touchpoints, making it easier for partners to engage with Akamai and accelerate joint success.
A key enhancement is our clearer and more impactful incentive structure, which rewards partner organizations and individual sellers for driving meaningful customer outcomes. We’ve also streamlined and strengthened our enablement framework, equipping partners to deliver more value, expand product adoption, and focus on high-impact use cases across Akamai’s portfolio.
Most importantly, we’ve moved away from a one-size-fits-all tiering model and adopted a regionally tailored approach that reflects the unique maturity and needs of each market. This ensures partners receive the right level of support, resources and recognition based on local opportunities. The program also supports different partner types: distributors, TSDs, GSIs and referrals, through a mature framework.
With Akamai Partner Connect, we’re building a program that’s simpler, smarter and more rewarding, empowering our partners to deliver exceptional outcomes and grow alongside us.
Partner Program Details: https://www.crn.com/partner-program-guide/ppg2026-details?c=6
Cloudflare
Program Name: PowerUP Partner Program
Channel Chief: Tom Evans, Chief Partner Officer
Most Significant Changes To Partner Program Over The Past Year
Over the past year we moved from strategy to execution and delivered the most significant transformation our partner program has seen to date.
We began by conducting a comprehensive global partner audit, exiting inactive partners so we could focus our investment on high-impact, growth-aligned partners. This shift to quality over quantity ensured we were prioritizing the ecosystem that drives the greatest mutual value.
We then launched major enhancements to the PowerUP Partner Program, introducing four clear routes-to-revenue: Resell, Manage, Distribute and Consult, and rolling out a unified, list price-based discount structure that gives partners margin predictability. We added new incentives, including a strengthened deal registration program and Jumpstart, while introducing new service specializations and competencies across pre-sales, sales, and post-sales.
From an operational perspective, we delivered a new partner portal, our first partner locator, streamlined NFR processes, simplified incentive claims, and delivered a clear set of rules of engagement. We also launched AMPED, our new technical engagement program.
Collectively, these changes mark a pivotal year of execution, simplification and partner-first alignment—building a stronger, more focused ecosystem for scalable, profitable growth.
Partner Program Details: https://www.crn.com/partner-program-guide/ppg2026-details?c=36
Sherweb
Program Name: Sherweb Partner Program
Channel Chief: Jim O’Driscoll, VP, Sales
Most Significant Changes To Partner Program Over The Past Year
In 2025 we enhanced our partner program with platform upgrades and new marketplace vendors in automation, security and cloud, including becoming the global distributor of Huntress. We also expanded AI adoption support and launched our Self-Service Portal, giving partners greater autonomy, visibility and operational simplicity across their client ecosystem.
Partner Program Details: https://www.crn.com/partner-program-guide/ppg2026-details?c=165
