The Latest WatchGuard News
Product and Solution Information, Press Releases, Announcements

Best channel partner programs in the market recognized in annual guide

SEATTLE - March 25, 2015 - WatchGuard Technologies, a global leader in multi-function security appliances, today announced it has been awarded a 5-Star rating in The Channel Company's CRN 2015 Partner Program Guide for the second year in a row. The annual directory is the definitive listing of technology vendors that service solution providers, or that provide products through the IT channel. The 5-Star Partner Program rating recognizes an elite subset of companies that offer solution providers the best partnering elements in their channel programs.

WatchGuard's channel program has thousands of partners around the world. Under the leadership of Alex Thurber, WatchGuard's worldwide vice president of sales and one of CRN's 50 Most Influential Channel Chiefs, the company has continually launched initiatives to intensify the company's channel focus and reward partners. WatchGuard also introduced a key enhanced deal-registration program and a new, value-based partner program called WatchGuardONE, which is currently being rolled out worldwide.

To determine the 2015 5-Star recipients, The Channel Company's Research team assessed each vendor's application based on investments in program offerings, partner profitability, partner training, education and support, marketing programs and resources, sales support and communication.

"Solution providers have a lot of choices when it comes to selecting vendor partners. Identifying the right vendor, with the right technologies, and the right approach can make all the difference," said Robert Faletra, CEO, The Channel Company. "Our annual Partner Program Guide and 5-Star rating recognizes the best channel programs available in the market today to help solution providers determine which vendors deliver the best partner elements for their individual business goals."

"Given the pace and heat of the network security market, now more than ever our partners are looking for us to deliver the training and the technology they need to meet end-user demand in the market. It's particularly rewarding to receiving this award for the second year in a row for the value we're delivering to our customers," said Thurber.

WatchGuardONE leverages a value-based model that places additional focus on reseller certification and training in addition to simply volume sales. The more partners invest in training the more WatchGuard invests in the partner's profitability. The program also includes other key up-front discounts and backend rebates, and lets all partners, regardless of size, choose their level of program involvement. Partners also have the flexibility to sell online, in-store or in-person, whatever works best for their customer-base. Complete program information is available here.

The 2015 Partner Program Guide will be featured in the April issue of CRN, and online at www.CRN.com.