Check Point launches partner programme with new tier system and certifications
Programme aims to strengthen partner capabilities and accelerate business
Cybersecurity vendor Check Point has launched a new partner programme "to strengthen partner capabilities and fuel growth".
Check Point is aiming to bolster its commitment to the channel with the new programme while maximising opportunities for joint growth.
The partner track is tailored to enhance partner performance and satisfaction, focusing on boosting deal closure rates, which drives business growth, and streamlines quoting processes for quicker customer response.
Check Point is hoping to strengthen partnership engagement and encourage partners to develop specialised expertise, adding more value to their services. It also hopes to provide easier access to essential tools and resources, improving operational efficiency for partners.
"For over 30 years, Check Point has blazed the path for innovation in cybersecurity. In light of the current climate and increasing rate of cyber threats, we are launching a new, partner programme to help our partners accelerate their efforts in providing the best cyber security," said Francisco Criado, Check Point's VP of global partner ecosystem organisation.
The new programme is aligned with Check Point's platform, focusing on its end-to-end AI-powered, cloud-delivered security. It is set to enable partners to effectively cross-sell and up-sell advanced security solutions from Check Point's portfolio, covering a broad spectrum of attack surfaces, addressing needs in SASE, email security, cloud environments, SD-WAN, and mobile security.
The upgrades are geared toward leveraging these cutting-edge technologies, ensuring partners are equipped to meet diverse cyber security challenges.
Tier restructuring
Check Point's new partner programme features a new, consolidated tiering model to help increase participation across all levels. Partners are now given an advanced, professional, premier and elite status depending on size of business opportunity.
Customer-focused pricing framework that is market-aligned and deal registrations were also improved, with the latter being increased by 100 per cent, with a new incumbent partner programme that delivers deal protection on renewals.
"The deal registration process is quick and agile, it provides a smooth journey from deal identification to closure," Criado tells CRN.
"It also ensures customers receive prompt service. The simplified pricing methodology negates the need for approvals on non-standard priced opportunities. This saves time for distributors and partners alike.
"The Engage mobile application provides partners immediate access to experts that can assist in the sales cycle, as well as ease of access for logging deal registrations, wherever the user is.
"Furthermore, the fact that significant discount amendments were made (new specialisation discount, Incumbency, and DR discount has been doubled) should impact the deal closure rate."
Focus on specialisation
Additional training and certification will be available to partners to unlock further benefits associated with specialisation that can lead to a 20 per cent discount, Check Point revealed.
"In 2024, through the partner programme, Check Point has made training more accessible to meet certification standards," Criado explains to CRN.
Partners can now access three types of training: mandatory, product specialisation training (optional), and add-on service providers training (optional).
"Check Point covers paid certifications and exams according to the regional partners' mandatory tier-level requirements. All partners are granted access to vital resources in the partner portal (PMAP). Examples of the multitude of resources available in the partner portal include CheckMates, an online forum where partners can collaborate with each other, and Check Point colleagues, online demo resources including demo licensing, access to the latest threat intelligence, sales tools/battlecards, partner dashboard, marketing campaigns, and more."
The MSSP resources also include access to flexible pricing, pay-as-you-go, and leasing options. The private early availability programme ensures partners stay ahead of the latest innovations and gives them competitive advantage. Check Point offers MSSP partners efficient onboarding into the MSSP programme.
Listening to partners
Check Point says it engaged partners early in the process of developing this partner programme, by providing written survey feedback, as well as in-person partner advisory board sessions in each location.
"In addition, Check Point looked broadly at the market competitive partner programmes, both in cybersecurity and the broader IT market to determine best practices," says Criado.
"Some of the biggest improvements that partners have expressed appreciation for include complimentary training, the MSSP route, the private early availability programme, improved tiering and discount structure. Also, more transparency in pricing and ability to drive more services and profitability through differentiation."
Molly Rouch, president and co-founder of Six Degrees Consulting commented: "With Check Point's new partner programme, we are empowered to deliver highly competitive solutions to our clients while expanding our reach nationally. The programme's focus on specialisation and certification aligns with our commitment to provide top-tier security services, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible protection against potential threats."