Recognizing the importance of continually reviewing how it can better serve its customers, Esri recently announced the availability of an expanded support program for its enterprise users. The Esri Enterprise Advantage Program (EEAP) is designed to meet the unique needs of Esri's U.S.-based enterprise GIS customers. In addition to account management support, the program offers customers focused technical management, a flexible spending program for services, training and premium support, and other assistance.

EEAP was developed for customers who use GIS to share geospatial data and services across departments. In direct response to needs expressed by customers, EEAP provides a structured program for customers to engage Esri services, training, and support as part of developing, implementing, and monitoring an overall GIS strategy.

The key program components are

• The assignment of an Esri regional account manager and technical advisor(s)
• The provision of 100 learning and services credits
• An annual account and GIS strategy review, conducted in Redlands, California, and attended by senior Esri technical and industry staff
• Profile of the customer's computing and GIS environment
• Quarterly enterprise-related Webcasts, developed specifically for Esri enterprise GIS customers

Using EEAP learning and services credits, customers can create a highly customized solution that fulfills their organization's technical and business objectives. With each learning and services credit, customers can redeem one or more for the following types of Esri resources:

• Two hours of technical professional services
• Two hours of architectural consulting services
• Four hours of data conversion professional services
• Two hours of access to Esri's premium technical support
• One day of instructor-led training for one person at an Esri office
• One day's use of the Esri Applications Development Center in Redlands, California
• $480 of Virtual Campus training

As part of the program, the account manager and technical advisor will work with their customer to develop a high-level work program for the year that is aligned with the GIS strategy, identifying key project areas and utilizing targeted Esri consulting domain expertise.

Esri believes the Enterprise Advantage Program will greatly help organizations to proactively address their enterprise GIS implementation needs and facilitate access to appropriate Esri resources throughout the process. Furthermore, as an annual subscription-based program, it will enable customers to adjust how they wish to utilize the program as their GIS strategy unfolds.

For more information on the Esri Enterprise Advantage Program, contact your Esri account manager at your local Esri regional office or Mark Causley, Business Development manager, Enterprise Implementation Services, Esri Professional Services (e-mail: mcausley@esri.com) or visit www.esri.com/eeap.