DigiCert, provider of scalable identity and encryption solutions for internet-based communications, announced on Tuesday enhancements to its Certified Partner Program that will help its global partners capture the multi-billion dollar opportunity offered by the SSL, PKI and IoT security markets.
This announcement marks the first phase of an ongoing effort to work with partners and provide added benefits resulting from DigiCert’s acquisition of Symantec Website Security.
DigiCert provides free training to help partners reach additional certification levels that are supported by lead generation and market development funding. The company also provides comprehensive deal registration, free not for resale products, cybersecurity best practices, and a complete portfolio of sales and marketing collateral.
The Program enhancements offer growth opportunities for partners transitioning from the Symantec Website Security partner program, with access to new products and incentives through the DigiCert portfolio.
The enhanced global Program features four tiers with discounts based on sales volume and expertise with dedicated sales, marketing and technical assistance. Along with a new ‘Elite’ tier, certified partners now have access to sell new PKI solutions for the enterprise.
The Program enhancements add new benefits to many of the elements of existing programs created by Symantec’s Website Security and related PKI solutions business, which was acquired by DigiCert in October 2017. These additions include a new invite-only ‘Platinum Elite’ tier with premium dedicated technical support, quarterly business reviews across technical, sales and marketing, plus access to market development campaigns to include support at tradeshows.
Within the Platinum Elite, DigiCert is welcoming long-established partner, SSL247, as one of the early participants. The Program enhancements also add new PKI and IoT elements with varying degrees of benefit across the tiers.
The DigiCert Partner Program has been further enhanced with the availability of DigiCert Managed PKI (MPKI), which partners can use to help their customers simplify enterprise authentication, mobile device management, and encrypted communications.
With cloud and hybrid options, organizations can secure employee and partner access to sensitive information via a web-based application or extranet portal, which offers many benefits for Internet of Things (IoT) use cases, enterprise mobility initiatives and access via a wireless network or VPN.
Partners may offer any of these products for which they have certified. Three Platinum Partners, namely Acmetek, CertCenter AG and JNR, are certified to offer products within the Managed PKI program, with more partners to follow later in the year.
“The process of transitioning the legacy Symantec frontend systems onto the DigiCert platform is a complex task, which is still ongoing,” explains Mirco Reimann, Global Director, Encryption Everywhere, for DigiCert. “However, the announcement of the channel program enhancements makes it clear that we see our future as working more closely with the channel, which we believe will be an engine for strong growth opportunities over the next few years – especially in higher-value areas such as PKI-powered IoT solutions.”
“We are confident that these enhancements, alongside other developments that we are planning, bolster our program as the most comprehensive of its kind ever offered within the SSL and PKI market,” explains Vic Cloutier, Head of Global Channel for DigiCert. “Today’s announcements are only the beginning, as we continue to evaluate and evolve the Program, with partner input, to accelerate growth with higher margins for our partners across every type of engagement and customer segment.”
The Program includes channel-only initiatives that are designed to help partners win new business and create upsell opportunities. Through the DigiCert Encryption Everywhere program, channel partners can offer basic encryption for free as part of a bundle within hosting packages to provide clear merchandizing and monetization with an upsell path to higher margins.
“The Program enhancements will also mark the start of a sustained recruitment drive focused on adding distributors and partners in regions and vertical markets where we are currently underserved, and increasing opportunities for current partners,” Cloutier added. “With DigiCert, our partners will benefit from being aligned with a company focused on product and technology innovation, one that is recognized for its leadership in industry standards and emerging markets.”
DigiCert will grandfather its existing and former Symantec Website Security partners into the combined Program at their current tiers and begin the first of its new training and certification workshops during the second quarter of this year.
