Published at: 2026-09-17
Partner connect roles and usage boundaries
Overview
The upstream enterprise configures Partner Connect, downstream partners use it, and both parties collaborate through interconnected workflows.
Responsibility model
Configuration remains in the upstream CRM, while day-to-day channel operations are made available to downstream partners. Understanding these boundaries helps users determine which party should complete each task.
Roles
Upstream channel manager
An upstream channel manager manages partners in the CRM. Their main responsibilities include:
- Enabling the Partner object and Partner Connect application.
- Adding connected companies and contacts, and approving enterprise connections.
- Configuring external access scope, roles, object permissions, and data scope.
- Configuring lead pools, public account pools, opportunity processes, product selling permissions, and channel operation rules.
- Managing the portal home page, interconnected workflows, and report access.
Downstream partner user
A partner user performs daily business activities in Partner Connect. Their main responsibilities include:
- Signing in to Partner Connect and using the home page.
- Sharing upstream marketing content and creating or claiming leads.
- Creating accounts, checking for duplicates, registering accounts, and following up.
- Creating opportunities, completing stage tasks, and collaborating on follow-up.
- Creating quotes, requesting discounts, and submitting sales orders.
- Reviewing tasks, messages, reports, and data briefs.
Cross-company workflow participant
When an interconnected approval workflow, business workflow, or stage progression contains an external step, both parties complete their assigned tasks. Available objects and actions depend on the external role and data permissions.
Permission boundaries
The upstream enterprise can grant access to all downstream enterprises, selected downstream enterprises, or selected contacts within those companies. External roles can also control object operations, fields, record types, layouts, and data scope.
Partner users can use only the applications and objects shared by the upstream enterprise. If a feature is unavailable, contact the upstream channel manager to confirm application access and role assignment.
Usage boundaries
Partner Connect does not replace administrative configuration in the upstream CRM. Partner users cannot change upstream product selling permissions, account registration approval rules, sales processes, or data-sharing rules.