Security show key for VARs
This week's Infosecurity show is expected to attract more than 200 exhibitors
Dubbed as Europe's largest IT security event, this week's Infosecurity show is expected to attract more than 200 exhibitors.
At the event, held at London Olympia, Microsoft will launch a new strategic security partnership tier for VARs.
Hilary Wittmann, security marketing manager at Microsoft UK, explained that the new level, which will sit above the firm's Gold Certified security specialist certification, will create a new group of security VARs in Microsoft's security space.
"We already have the Gold programme, but wanted one extra level for partners focused completely on security," Wittmann said.
"We intend to work with a community of elite partners to give companies the security they need to rely on."
Initially launching with six channel partners - DNS, Unisys, Fujitsu Services, Lynx Technology, Silversands and Vistorm - the new level will be open only to partners that have already achieved Gold Certified status, Wittmann added.
Madeleine Allen, business development director at DNS, said: "The Gold partner programme is valuable in its own right, but for Microsoft to introduce a new layer shows that it is taking security seriously.
"Partners have to jump through a lot of hoops to achieve this status, but it means we stand out from the rest."
Separately, managed services provider BlackSpider, which specialises in web and email filtering, is set to launch a channel push at Infosec.
The firm is launching a two-pronged channel strategy for VARs, ranging from ISPs to product resellers, centred around its latest offering, which combats email-based security threats and junk mail.
John Cheney, BlackSpider's managing director, said the programme will give an ongoing percentage of service revenue to partners and offer sales team incentives.
"Because we are completely channel-focused, we have had a lot of interest from VARs already," Cheney said.
See next week's Computer Reseller News for more news on Infosecurity.