Security software behemoth Symantec unveiled its Middle East channel champions for 2003 at its regional awards night last week. With an emphasis on building even deeper commitment between vendor and partner, Symantec is looking for true value-add skills development from its Middle East channel to fuel further growth during 2004.
UAE-based integrator Emitac picked up Symantec Partner of the Year for the Gulf Region excluding Saudi Arabia, while Computer Network Systems (CNS) walked off with the award for Most Improved Results. Specialist Computer Services (SCS) was given an award for its Commitment to Certification and Skills Development while Executrain picked up the Training award. MMR took the award for Partner of the Year in Saudi Arabia.
Emitac, which increased its Symantec sales six fold in 2003, currently holds Enterprise Security Partner status with Symantec — the highest available classification in the four-tiered partner programme it operates. Emitac’s Qatar-based sister company, Qatar Datamation Systems, is currently classified at Enterprise Sales Partner level but hopes to join Emitac in the top tier during 2004.
To obtain Symantec’s highest partner level, Emitac met stringent sales, service and support requirements as well as certifying its staff on a wide range of Symantec technologies. Emitac’s UAE customer base spans a number of verticals including oil and gas, telcos, government, financial services and education.
With security issues high up on the enterprise agenda, Symantec is keen for partners to build the necessary sales, implementation and service skills to sell into such demanding clients. The development of these high-end channel skills requires investment, commitment and trust from both sides involved.
Tony Alam, managing director of CNS, commenting on picking up the award for Most Improved Results, said: “The Award is a result of combining Symantec’s innovative security technologies with CNS’s customer-centric dedication.”
“These awards are a great way to thank partners for their efforts and recognise their achievements during the last year,” said Vikram Suri, country manager southern Gulf and Levant. “It is about bringing the partners together that really matter to us and expressing our gratitude.”
Symantec is working hard to push its regional partners up the value-add ladder. With security issues a hot topic in the IT world, the potential for further growth — especially among enterprise clients dedicating a portion of their IT budgets to security issues — is a prime target for Symantec’s Middle East channel partners.
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