The changes were brought in based on a specialist model, rewarding the knowledge and expertise a partner has in a solution area or market.

A Master Specialisation category and three new specialisations are also included in the updated programme.

Specialised partners will be rewarded with increased rebates, access to enablement resources and recognition by Symantec and customers. There will be requirements for attaining Silver, Gold and Platinum partner level status.

Partners have until April 2011 to transition to the new requirements.

“Businesses today are looking for partners that can provide higher competencies and value-added services to address the challenges and complexities of their business environment,” said David Dzienciol, Symantec’s VP for SMB and Channel, Asia Pacific and Japan.

“Symantec’s Partner Program enhancements acknowledge these shifts in the market by offering our partners opportunities to specialise in key growth areas to differentiate their business, maximise returns on investment and accelerate profitability.”