Symantec Corporation has announced an expansion of its existing program for enterprise and consumer partners worldwide. The new program focuses on providing enterprise partners – Internet security experts, VARs and other channel partners – with the expertise and resources necessary to plan, implement and manage complex security architectures.

In addition to sales materials and technical support, Symantec will offer enterprise partners fee-based training and certification on the implementation of Symantec solutions in four technical areas: 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 an opportunity for Symantec’s enterprise partners to provide certified expertise to their customers,” says Joy Ghosh, Country Manger, Symantec, India. He claims that Symantec is the only Internet security company that can offer its partners the complete range of security products.

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

Enterprise Security Partners – They are required to employ two Symantec Certified Security Engineers in at least two technical areas. They are authorized to sell the Symantec product line including Defender, NetRecon, Intruder Alert, NetProwler, Webthority and Enterprise Security Manager.

Enterprise Solutions Partners – This includes VARs who focus on one Symantec security category. They are required to employ one Symantec Certified Security Engineer.

Enterprise Sales Partners – Comprising of corporate resellers, they must be able to provide certified implementation support through a relationship with an Enterprise Security Partner, an Enterprise Solutions Partner or Symantec itself.