As it has done in Europe recently, Apple has begun asking Australian AppleCentre outlets to develop their own brand names by Jan. 31, 2007. The retail stores can also apply for a new Apple Premium Partner certification, which is based on traffic flow, signage, customer training, and post-sales experience. Premium partners will be included in Appleis corporate marketing campaigns, according to a CRN article.
Tim Kleemann, director of Apple reseller NextByte, told the Web site: "Iive seen the new signage and marketing materials around the Premium accreditation and it looks fine. I like the training requirement [for Premium partners] as itis an opportunity to differentiate ourselves [from Authorised resellers]."