Symantec fast-tracks VARs
Vendor tempts resellers to accreditation scheme with training incentives
Symantec is attempting to attract resellers to its accreditation scheme by offering free and fast-track training.
The vendor, which is looking to boost the number of VARs in its Solutions Partners level by at least 20 per cent in 12 months, said VARs will be able to use existing skills to fast-track through its vendor-neutral training and testing scheme.
Resellers that pass tests in vendor-neutral security infrastructure will be offered free Symantec-specific training about firewalls, security management, intrusion-detection systems and virus-control products.
According to Russell Smith, Symantec's vice-president of channels and sales operations for EMEA, the scheme could also benefit other vendors because resellers will have generic security training.
"Our partners complain about the costs involved in getting certification from different vendors, so we are reducing the time and financial costs," he said.
The vendor-neutral training is free to existing Security and Solutions Partners. New partners will pay for the training they need, then move on to the Symantec-specific training for free if they pass tests.
David Ellis, director of e-security at distributor Unipalm, said many of the skills in the security space are transferable between vendors.
"What is the point of resellers paying thousands of pounds for training when they already have many of the skills?" he said.
Ellis added that the scheme could prove popular with other vendors. "Symantec obviously wants more resellers out of this, but it is a good idea," he said.
Neil Barrett, technical director at security consultancy Information Risk Management, said the processes of deploying firewalls, intrusion detection and network management systems are the same, despite different interfaces.
"I can't see why this is not a good idea as long as the resellers get exposure to multi-vendor products," he said.