Bluesource becomes Master of Symantec realm

London security specialist among the first to sign up as vendor's new wave of services partners

VAR Bluesource is looking to cash in on Symantec's new-look channel services model after becoming one of the security vendor's first Master Specialist Partners in the UK.

In November, the security giant introduced a partner-led consulting sales model - which it claimed would be worth $100m (£63.8m) - to the channel across EMEA.

London-based Bluesource is now certified to provide its clients with archiving and e-discovery consultancy services. It will also be offering end users other high-end technical services and claims its level of expertise is now on a par with Symantec itself.

To attain the Master badge, Bluesource had to meet various requirements, including a number of consulting staff, deployment skills, customer references and sales commitments.

Andrew McKeeve, chief operating officer of the VAR, said: "This builds on the strong, trusted, relationship we enjoy with Symantec. We have devoted a huge amount of our time and resources in training and understanding Symantec's technologies."

Symantec's EMEA vice president of channel sales, Jason Ellis (pictured), added: "Specialised partners have demonstrated a deep investment in Symantec, and expertise in delivering solutions and services that protect customers' most critical information."