The Sophos Partner Programme integrates the best aspects of Sophos's past programmes with the most successful components of Astaro's; and all partners have the opportunity to offer Sophos's entire line of products, including the recently released UTM 9 solution, which integrates endpoint protection into the gateway. This programme supports Sophos's complete security proposition, unique within the industry.
Sophos has created enablement programmess to provide in-depth technical and sales training, including three new certification courses designed to help partners develop and hone these skills. Additional on-demand training modules are available on a newly redesigned and optimised partner portal, giving partners increased control over their training and development. These training modules will offer partners added control and higher touches throughout the sales cycle. The new partner portal also offers a new quote and deal registration feature as well as access to customer relationship information.
"We initially partnered with Sophos because they truly understand the needs of solution providers and resellers," said Stephan Van Der Ploog, managing partner, Candoris Technologies. "I felt the original programme was already competitive, but the addition of these training programs and certifications, and the chance to offer integrated, best-in-class network security offerings, makes this new programme the most compelling in the industry."
Unlike traditional partner programmes, the Sophos Partner Programme is designed to accommodate different business models with partnership tracks for resellers and solution providers. Partners can select the partnership track that best fits their individual business goals and needs. The solution provider track benefits partners looking to offer additional services, a strategic focus for Sophos in the coming year. Each track allows partners to participate at a specific partnership level, determined by their level of involvement in the partner programme and participation in training programmes.
"We are focused one hundred percent on partners; they are the life blood of our organisation so it is crucial for us to continue making significant investments in our channel," said Mike McGuinness, senior vice president of worldwide sales and field operations, Sophos. "We are very excited about this programme, which we feel will generate tremendous success for our growing global partner base. No other vendor in the industry offers the breadth and depth of award-winning complete security solutions that, coupled with new pricing models and more hands-on tracks and training, will provide partners with the best opportunity to succeed."