Symantec makes changes to its EMEA SME specialisation programme

Symantec has made some changes to its dedicated small and medium business (SME) specialisation programme in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

The move follows Symantec’s announcement in June, where it said it would be forming a new organisation focused entirely to meeting the needs of small and medium businesses and the partners with whom they work.

Symantec claims it has worked closely with its partners focusing on small and medium business in EMEA to develop the programme, which includes increased profitability, clearer progression opportunities, greater sales and marketing support and access to products.

It said the changes will also build on the current programme, which was set up to provide partners with the skills and experience they need to differentiate themselves in a competitive market and to drive revenue growth.

According to the company, the new programme is centred around a multi-tiered model, which allows partners to move up from Accredited Small and Medium Business Specialist to Advanced Small and Medium Business Specialist to Expert Small and Medium Business Specialist.

They can then finally reach Elite Small and Medium Business Specialist status.

Entry into each tier is based on a combination of factors including sales revenue and a greater focus on the level of training and accreditation of each partner.

Jay Epton, Northern Europe SMB Director at Symantec added that the company had developed a “competitive and rewarding specialisation programme”, enabling partners to position themselves as “industry leaders” to address SME customers’ data protection and management needs.