VeriSign launches Global Security Partner programme
Scheme specifically targets security resellers but VeriSign also has system integrators and telecoms firms in its sights
Managed security services firm VeriSign launched its Global Security Partner (GSP) programme today, marking its first formal channel scheme.
VeriSign operates a range of managed security services that include firewall management, intrusion prevention management and a phishing response service.
Ryan Kalember, VeriSign’s regional technical manager for EMEA, told CRN: “We had an affiliate programme across EMEA for our secure socket layer (SSL) certificates, with companies such as BT and Telefonica acting as affiliate partners, but we haven’t had an official partner programme before. We’ve worked with some VARs, but we didn’t have the type of partners we are now looking to target.”
Under the three-tiered GSP programme, VeriSign is specifically targeting security resellers that are looking to offer a complete service portfolio. The company is also considering system integrators and telecommunications firms. Partners will need to have experience in providing security, consulting and technical deployment services.
Kalember added: “The basic level of partner is just for resellers; the second level is called Managed Security Service Partnership, where each party delivers a significant component of the solution; and the top level is Managed Security Service Data Centres, where partners sell and deliver services and VeriSign gives engineering support.”
In the UK, Kalember would like to appoint one partner in each of the top two tiers. He added that VeriSign is “always looking for VARs”.
Bob Tarzey, service director at Quocirca, said: “[Verisign rival] GeoTrust has thousands of partners and has been taking market share from VeriSign, so VeriSign has belatedly realised that working with small groups of affiliates does not give them the market reach to hold their ground.”
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