Symantec Introduces New Channel Partner Program; Symantec's New Partner Program Promotes Experts in Symantec Security Solutions Through Training and Certification

Business Wire, July 16, 2001

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

CUPERTINO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 16, 2001

Symantec Corp. (Nasdaq:SYMC), a world leader in Internet security technology, today announced an expansion of its existing partner program for enterprise and consumer partners worldwide. This new program focuses on providing enterprise partners -- such as proven Internet security experts, value-added resellers and other channel partners -- with the expertise and resources necessary to plan, implement and manage complex security architectures for their customers using Symantec solutions.

In addition to comprehensive sales materials and award-winning technical support, Symantec will offer enterprise partners extensive fee-based training and certification on the implementation of Symantec solutions in four technical areas critical in today's networked environment: virus protection and content management, firewall and VPN technologies, intrusion detection systems and vulnerability management.

"The shortage of qualified security experts in the marketplace today presents a tremendous opportunity for Symantec's enterprise partners to provide certified security expertise on Symantec solutions to their customers," said Dieter Giesbrecht, senior vice president of worldwide sales and professional services for Symantec. "Symantec is the only Internet security company that can offer its partners the complete range of security products so they can protect their customers at the gateway, the server, or the client levels. We are committed to helping our partners expand their business by making sure they have the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to meet the security needs of their customers."

With its new partner program, Symantec has created a worldwide framework to give a variety of channel partners the opportunity to expand their business in Internet security and fill the need for qualified experts on Symantec security solutions. Symantec's enterprise channel partner program provides resources and fee-based training appropriate to each partner in three categories:

          --  Enterprise Security Partner -- These partners have a
            proven track record in the Internet security market. They
            are required to employ two Symantec Certified Security
            Engineers trained on Symantec solutions in at least two
            technical areas. They are authorized to sell the Symantec
            product line in addition to Symantec's currently
            restricted solutions including Enterprise Security
            Manager, Intruder Alert, NetProwler, NetRecon, Defender
            and Webthority once they complete the certification for
            each product. Restricted products may vary by region.

          --  Enterprise Solutions Partner -- These partners include
            value-added resellers with significant local positioning
            and who focus on one Symantec security category. They
            employ one Symantec Certified Security Engineer trained on
            Symantec solutions in one technical area. They are
            authorized to sell the same Symantec security solutions as
            the Enterprise Security Partner once they complete the
            certification for each product.

          --  Enterprise Sales Partner -- Partners in this category
            include named and managed corporate resellers. In order to
            sell the authorized Symantec security solutions, the
            Enterprise Sales Partner must be able to provide certified
            implementation support through a relationship with an
            Enterprise Security Partner, an Enterprise Solutions
            Partner or Symantec itself.

"By categorizing partners based on expertise and technology focus, Symantec is enabling end users to seek out experts in the integration of specific classes of Symantec technology," said Chris Ellerman, director, Security Practice, at N2N Solutions, Inc. "As a Symantec partner, N2N Solutions is excited about Symantec's investment in the form of technical certification and sales training. This investment in training and subsequent monitoring of partner certification progress and status will enable Symantec and its partners to deliver very focused, innovative solutions based on security best practices."

Symantec's fee-based certification courses will focus on basic product implementation training as well as general education on the critical technologies and processes within four technical areas: virus protection and content management, firewall and VPN technologies, intrusion detection systems and vulnerability management.

Individuals can earn "Symantec Product Specialist" status after completing the certification exam on a specific Symantec security product. Individuals can earn "Symantec Certified Security Engineer" status after passing all product and knowledge certification exams within a specific technical area. Symantec has contracted with training and test delivery vendors to manage and administer the certification exams.