Symantec Launches SMB Specialization for Partners

Targeted tools, resources enable partners to take advantage of multibillion-dollar SMB market

CUPERTINO, Calif.– Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq: SYMC) today announced SMB Specialization for Partners, providing partners with the necessary tools to more effectively target the fast-growing SMB market segment and allowing them to tailor solutions and approaches to SMB customers. Currently available to Symantec Channel Registered and Channel Silver partners in North America, the program, which is part of the Symantec Partner Program, helps partners grow their business and drive revenue by providing valuable benefits, such as priority access to technical support, toll-free partner hotline, pre-ordered select SMB not-for-resale products and a dedicated mid-market account manager for their territories.

“The Small and Mid-sized business market, which comprises a significant number of businesses worldwide, with worldwide IT spending in security and storage software of more than US$14.6 billion, presents highly profitable business opportunities for our partners,” said Julie Parrish, vice president, Symantec Global Channel Office. “Based on input from our partners, our new SMB Specialization was designed specifically to provide them with the expertise and tools they need to further develop Symantec opportunities in this burgeoning market.”

To qualify for this program, eligible partners in the Symantec Partner Program need to complete and pass specific sales training requirements on specific SMB-focused solutions and accept the online accreditation agreement. Partners who earn the Symantec SMB Specialist designation receive a wide range of benefits, including additional visibility to customers who are looking for specific SMB support. Symantec SMB Specialists receive their own toll-free number to receive priority access to Symantec’s Partner Hotline and gain access to an SMB-focused partner account manager for their territories. SMB Specialists also receive listing on Symantec’s Partner Locator to put them in touch with potential customers.

“Symantec’s new SMB Specialization makes it easier for us to work with SMB customers effectively. It provides us with unique tools to help acquire new potential SMB customers,” said Jeff Romick, vice president, HBR Technologies. “The new program also provides training that will empower consultants to work with their clients to provide them with Symantec’s industry-leading SMB solutions. The benefits offered in the program help Symantec’s partners compete in new ways that create stronger partnerships when working with SMB customers.”

Symantec SMB Specialists also receive tools and resources to drive more sales, including information on how to access program benefits and highlight their companies on Symantec’s Partner Locator. In addition, upon enrollment SMB Specialists receive a selection of not-for-resale SMB products for evaluation including Backup Exec, Backup Exec System Recovery, and Symantec Mail Security among others. Channel Registered Partners who earn the Symantec SMB Specialist designation also receive priority access to Symantec Technical Support Services as well as two complimentary technical support incidents.

Once SMB Specialization requirements are completed, partners receive a Symantec Sales Professional for SMB Specialization accreditation certificate and logo as well as ongoing communications tailored for SMB Specialists, including news flashes, webcasts, product information and policy information.

For more information on Symantec’s SMB Specialist Program, visit www.symantec.com/partners/smb_resources/index.jsp or log on to PartnerNet at https://partnernet.symantec.com.