Symantec calms channel's worries

Security software vendor Symantec has claimed that, despite developing its own professional services arm, it will not "tread on its channel partners' toes".

Security software vendor Symantec has claimed that, despite developing its own professional services arm, it will not "tread on its channel partners' toes".

The company, which acquired e-security software firm Axent Technologies last year, said that it is hoping to "set the record straight" about its channel strategy.

Aled Miles, managing director for northern Europe at Symantec, told Computer Reseller News that a number of the company's channel partners had expressed concern.

"The problem was that Symantec has always been 100 per cent channel, but Axent had both a direct and indirect strategy," he said, adding that partners were right to ask questions.

Both companies will be combined under the Symantec name, which will remain "100 per cent committed to the channel", Miles insisted.

Another problem, he explained, has been Symantec's intention to develop its own professional services arm "which some partners see as direct competition".

He said that Symantec is aiming to develop four main strands of its professional services arm: education and training; consultancy; design and architecture; and managed services.

"But if we find we are going after the same customer, Symantec will take a step back. We do not want to step on any of our partners' toes," he said.

Distribution will be through the usual channel, he stressed, saying that Symantec will continue to partner with companies such as Ingram Micro, Gem, Tech data, Sphinx and Interquad.

Also published in Computer Reseller News