F-Secure’s new Global Partner Program aims to lift the technical knowledge of its partners. A survey last year by F-Secure found that technical and security know-how is important for IT security resellers: two-thirds of customer respondents said they rely heavily on their IT provider for security or choose providers who specialise in security. The survey also found that technical/security know-how, along with trust-based relationships and fairness of contracts, are the most important qualities organizations look for in IT resellers.

According to F-Secure Head of Channel Development Elena Zykova, IT resellers need to capitalize on this trend to help more organisations embrace the diverse range of cyber security technologies and solutions flooding the market.

“Organizations need to feel confident in an IT reseller’s security competence and know-how to build trust. But the current demand for skilled cyber security professionals far outweighs the supply, which is really problematic for IT resellers that want to provide security to their customers,” says Zykova. “A big challenge for these resellers is educating their customers on why more mature cyber-security capabilities, like those offered by detection and response solutions, are important to counter today’s attackers.”

The program has 4 different levels: Registered, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each level has requirements regarding annual sales, new sales growth, certifications, and renewal business performance. A Registered partner is an entry level tier with light requirements, whereas Silver, Gold and Platinum levels require partners to certify in order to sell F-Secure solutions.

In addition to competence development through expert-level technical and sales training provided by F-Secure cyber security consultants and other professionals, reseller partners can use the program to qualify for discounts, marketing support and investments, insights, dedicated technical service, feedback sessions, and more, it says.

A new partner portal aims to help manage ordering new solutions, submitting support tickets, and other tasks.

“Our partners success is our success. We give end-to-end support and backing to partners that share our vision, strategy and commitment to becoming their customers’ trusted cyber security provider,” explains Zykova. 

Existing partners are encouraged to visit F-Secure Partner Portal or contact their F-Secure representative to learn more about the program. More information on becoming an F-Secure reseller is available here: https://www.f-secure.com/en/partners/business-products.