McAfee unveils PRM partner programme
Firm launches first phase of SecurityAlliance VAR scheme
McAfee has launched the first phase of its SecurityAlliance VAR recruitment programme, as it looks to push 100 per cent of its business through the channel following its rebranding from Network Associates.
The firm's Partner Relationship Management (PRM) scheme offers resellers tools such as online sales and technical training. Partners will be split into three tiers based on a number of criteria, including level of investment. Elite Partners are the top tier, followed by Premier Partners and Associate Partners.
Wayne Carter, regional channel director for northern Europe at McAfee, said the programme is designed specifically around its partners. "VARs are defined by investment. Elite Partners will have access to more information than the others.
"Associate Partners might not win some deals because they don't have access to that extra information," he said.
George Anderson, IT security business development manager at Computacenter, a McAfee Elite Partner, told CRN the partnership offers opportunities.
"When we take on a vendor we always aim for the highest level of accreditation. Security as a whole tends to be a less commoditised market, but it is very competitive, so margins can vary. That's why we concentrate on adding services," Anderson said.
As part of the PRM scheme, McAfee has also designed a web site, providing resellers with content information tools, joint collateral and profiles.