Check Point unveils new prestigious channel partner programme

Valued partner programme further enables solution providers to achieve success in selling Check Point perimeter, internal and Web security solutions.

Check Point Software Technologies Ltd, the worldwide leader in securing the Internet, announced the introduction of a new channel partner programme, the Valued Partner Programme, that will empower worldwide solution provider partners to achieve greater success in selling Check Point`s intelligent security solutions.

The new programme was unveiled at the Check Point Experience, a series of premier business and networking events for Check Point partners and users.

"With 100% of our sales driven through the channel, it is essential for us to give our partners the tools they need to provide customers with the most intelligent security solutions on the market," said Jerry Ungerman, president of Check Point Software Technologies. "As we roll-out our new Valued Partner Programme, we look forward to helping channel partners and distributors become more successful than ever in reaching new and existing customers."

In order to enable partners to reach their target customers, the Valued Partner Programme provides solution providers with Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze designations. Partners qualify for access to programme offerings based upon their commitment to Check Point product expertise and investment in technical training, and they will be rewarded with access to an extensive combination of sales, marketing and support offerings designed to provide them with the resources necessary to deliver strategic value to customers.

Platinum solution providers in particular will be equipped to offer the broadest possible range of knowledge to their customers. Also, the designations will further allow customers to identify a partner that meets their specific needs based on a solution provider`s level of expertise in delivering Check Point solutions. Check Point solution providers will benefit from the following:

* Early access programme - Provides Platinum partners with early education and access to newly launched products 90 days prior to first customer shipment.

* Priority order processing - Speeds up order processing at peak ordering times to help Platinum partners reduce the sales cycles and close business.

* Greater knowledge transfer - Efficiently and productively prepares and educates partners to sell new Check Point solutions, through new online training tools, a simplified partner Web portal, collateral and localised resources.

* Superior marketing support - Offers industry`s best return on investment with varied incentive programmes, marketing development funds, co-op reimbursement and the PartnerMAP Web portal that is designed to increase partner productivity.

"I was one of Check Point`s first US solution providers and have a very strong sense of loyalty to them," said Brad Reed, Director of Internet Security with platinum-designated reseller company, CompuQuip Technologies.

"Check Point is further enabling us to build expertise in selling their solutions to our targeted enterprise and high-end customers, and we strongly believe in the quality of Check Point`s Perimeter, Internal and Web security solutions."

The Check Point Valued Partner Programme is scheduled to be rolled out in phases beginning immediately.

Doros Hadjizenonos, MD of distribution partner VAD Africa, commented: "We are excited about Check Point`s new partner programme, which once again illustrates Check Point`s commitment to developing the skills level of their value-added reseller community. Not only does the new programme better support specialisation at different levels in the security market such as perimeter, Web and internal security focuses, but also enhances access to a wealth of information aimed at improving clients` return on investment in Check Point security solutions."

Mouritz Snyder, Security Business Manager for distribution partner Westcon, Commented: "As Check Point`s longest standing distributor in southern Africa, Westcon`s loyalty and commitment to Check Point`s strategy and solutions are close to the core of our security business. We strive to provide our channel, and ultimately the users, with a holistic best-of-bread security solution. Our focus around Check Point and their OPSEC partners will only benefit from the new partner programme."

For further information, please contact Niall Moynihan (Northern European Technical Director of Check Point Software Technologies) at niall@checkpoint.com.