The company has unveiled two new initiatives that could offer its channel partners a new revenue stream.
Symantec has released new changes to its Hosted Services global partner program, which it says will give its global channel partners new opportunities to expand their portfolios and generate recurring revenue streams.
“As we roll out these enhancements to existing partners and engage Symantec's network of global resellers, offering them the opportunity to leverage hosted services, we anticipate continued growth,” said James Palmer, Vice President Sales and Channel Strategy, Symantec Hosted Services.
“Many partners may not have embraced Software-as-a-Service due to the perceived investment needed. But with Symantec Hosted Services cutting-edge technology for securing and managing email, web and IM communications combined with industry-leading SLA’s, partners can be revenue-ready with minimal investment at a predictable cost in a short amount of time.”
According to Symantec the enhanced programs offer low barrier to entry and allow organisations to take advantage of a rapidly-growing hosted services market without having to invest in expensive resources and technology.
The Associate Program offers partners two options for earning commission. “Partners that want to develop an ongoing referral business and earn recurring commission on new contracts, upgrades and renewals and have the ability to meet minimal requirements, can take advantage of the new Premium Associate Program,” the firm says.
The Authorised Reseller Program acts as an “entry-level reseller program with easy-to-achieve entry requirements and a minimal investment from the partner after a small remote set-up procedure”. This program provides a 20% margin with the option of all ongoing customer support obligations fully managed by Symantec Hosted Services.
Symantec said that it currently has more than four thousand global channel partners.
In an effort to extend its consulting business, Symantec recently announced that it would be shifting its consulting strategy to work with qualified channel partners.