Question about Partner Accounts

I'm working my way up the Salesforce.com knowledge base at reasonably rapid place and hopefully I have found a suitable place to ask a question. If not I apologize. My question is regarding Partner Accounts. My company has a few 'Partners' around the street that we occasionally receive business from and/or send business their way. Is it appropriate in Salesforce to add such accounts as 'Partner Accounts' or are Partner Accounts solely for information sharing purposes across Salesforce with external parties?