Best Partner Relationship Management Software for Windows 2025

What Is Partner Relationship Management Software?

Partner relationship management software, or PRM, is used to improve the communication between business and their partners or affiliates. These may include suppliers, distributors, and resellers. Business data such as shipping schedules, marketing materials, campaign materials, and pricing data are made visible and accessible through a PRM via a partner portal/extranet.

PRM software is not to be confused with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software, which is used to manage relationships between businesses and their customers. Some CRM applications, however, are created with the same roles as PRM which can create confusion when drawing a distinction.

PRM is commonly used by sales and marketing managers to optimize their communication and relationship with partners by the use of portals as well as onboarding, training, and certifications. Having a single platform that allows the business to communicate with multiple partners saves a lot of time and can help improve the consistency of communication as well.

Partner Relationship Management Software Features

Some of the most common features PRM tools have are:

• Partner workflow for compliance with business rules
• Partner portal and collaboration tools (e.g. community boards)
• Partner incentive creation and analytics (e.g. performance tiers, rewards for top performers)
• Channel marketing automation (e.g. newsletters, product listing updates, etc.)
• Onboarding and education, partner improvement plans
• Automated lead distribution with optimization, scoring
• Deal registration, trial licensing, demo support
• Offers, discounts, and sales suggestions and guidance
• Document management and search engine, co-branded collateral
• Distribution of marketing and sales support material (i.e. partner-oriented sales enablement).
• Performance insights and KPI benchmarking for partner performance
• Integration with CRM & ERP, or common business systems

Partner Relationship Management Software Comparison

Before investing in a partner relationship management system, consider the following key points:

• Ease of Use: PRM tools are meant to simplify the process of communicating through a single platform, which saves the user a lot of time. Make sure the platform you end up purchasing is user-friendly and easy for the rest of your team to learn how to use.
• Size of Business: Some PRM software, such as Zift Solutions and Impartner are well-suited for midsize, large, and enterprise companies and shouldn’t be considered for smaller businesses. It’s best to measure the size and amount of licenses needed prior to deciding on the right PRM.
• Partners: Another factor when deciding on the right PRM application involves looking at your partners and choosing a software designed to work best with them. For example, Tune is most compatible for businesses running an affiliate program whereas LeadMethod works best with outside representatives and distributors.

Pricing Information

PRM software prices vary depending on channel operation size. Some partner relationship management solutions may be purchased in a package as part of an ERP or CRM system. Because pricing is very unique to specific business details such as the number of users, it is best to contact the vendor directly for customized quotes.