Symantec launches new SMB partner programme

Goes after lucrative, 'burgeoning market'

By Kelly Fiveash • Get more from this author

Posted in IT Channel, 13th September 2007 16:15 GMT

Software firm Symantec has upped its bid to capture a chunk of the small to medium-sized business (SMB) market by announcing a new global partner programme.

The California-based company said it hoped that its SMB Specialisation for Partners program would make it easier for small biz solution providers to take advantage of a range of benefits including online partner locater listings, an SMB specialist certificate and a mid-market account manager.

Symantec global channel VP Julie Parrish said that more than $14.6bn had been coughed up by SMBs spending money on security and storage software in the past year.

"Based on input from our partners, our new SMB Specialisation was designed specifically to provide them with the expertise and tools they need to further develop Symantec opportunities in this burgeoning market," she said.

To qualify for the programme, Symantec said channel solution providers registered at the silver level would need to take online training in five different areas.

Of course, those interested in the new programme will first need to sell enough of the vendor's products to reach the all-important silver status.