Symantec Enhancing SMB Specialization Program

Symantec Corporation introduced enhancements to its dedicated SMB specialization program in EMEA.

The move follows Symantec’s announcement in June of a new organization focussed to meeting the needs of SMBs and the partners with whom they work.

Symantec has worked with its partners focusing on SMBs in EMEA to develop the program, which will be available on 1 October 2012,  and includes increased profitability, clearer progression opportunities, greater sales and marketing support and access to products and services specifically tailored for SMBs.

The enhancements build on the current program, which was set up to provide partners with the skills and experience they need to differentiate themselves in a competitive market and to drive revenue growth.

The program is built around a multi-tiered specialization model, enabling partners to progress from AccreditedSmall and Medium Business Specialist to Advanced Small and Medium Business Specialist to Expert Small and Medium Business Specialist and finally to Elite Small and Medium Business Specialist.

The tiered structure has been designed to offer a progression path to partners as they grow their business, to differentiate themselves in the market and to reward commitment and investment. Entry into each tier is based on a combination of factors including sales revenue and a greater focus on the level of training and accreditation of each partner.

Jay Epton, Northern Europe SMB director at Symantec, commented: "Symantec’s SMB team is working around the clock to protect the information that is the lifeblood of this important community. Our SMB partners are critical in helping Symantec expand its reach to today’s information-savvy small businesses. We have developed a competitive and rewarding specialization program, enabling our partners to position themselves as industry leaders to address SMB customers’ data protection and management needs."

James Baker, EMEA product management director at Insight, commented: "Symantec listened and acted on its partners’ input, resulting in a very compelling program at all levels. We’re excited about the benefits and acceleration opportunities the programme provides as well as its commitment to this growing sector. Symantec’s dedication and solutions, specifically tailored to the needs of small businesses, along with our skills and expertise in this market, differentiates us from our competitors."

Differentiating with Symantec Specializations
Symantec Specializations recognize partners with proven expertise in a particular area of business or market segment. Partners achieve Specialization by meeting certain requirements that deepen their knowledge and proficiency in a solution family and receive unique benefits as a result of their investment. Globally, Symantec offers Specializations in key solution areas and market segments. It also offers a Master Specialization to partners with deep expertise in delivering advanced consulting services in related solution Specialization areas. Specializations vary by region.

Details of current Specializations with regional requirements and benefits