Websense to pick top-drawer MSSPs

Security vendor launches service provider programme to increase adoption of unified content security kit

Only the best: Websense will assess potential programme members on strict technical competence criteria

Security vendor Websense is to invite the cream of its partner crop to join its new worldwide managed security service provider (MSSP) programme.

The San Diego-based vendor claims the programme's introduction will facilitate more effective deployments of its recently unveiled Triton unified content security offering. Websense's new UK chief Andy Philpott recently told CRN the firm had expanded beyond its URL filtering roots to " become a mature security vendor".

Websense indicated that several of its top partners – including Integralis, IBM and BEW Global – are already engaged in managed services provision, servicing a total of more than 20 customers across the globe. The vendor claims admittance to the programme, which is on an invitation-only basis, will be contingent on strict technical competence criteria.

MSSP programme members will benefit from training, certification and sales tools. Websense's vice president of product management and business development Devin Redmond claimed market demand had led to the programme's formation.

"As evidenced by segment leaders driving targeted web security managed service offerings, Websense and our industry-leading MSSP programme participants are clearly seeing the global need to better enable customers to deploy and manage web and content security solutions to address today’s modern threats," he said. "As a channel-focused company, Websense is dedicated to partner and customer success."