F5 Networks aims to upskill resellers

Vendor launches new security-specific accreditation programme

By Vera Alves, Auckland | Monday, 04 February 2013
Application Delivery Networking vendor F5 Networks has announced the launch of a security-specific accreditation programme for channel partners worldwide, following the launch of the vendor's application delivery-focused accreditation programme earlier this year.

The new security accreditation is designed to provide partners with an in-depth understanding of the entire F5 security solution portfolio, including the vendor's data centre firewall solution.

The web-based accreditation is offered through the Unity channel partner programme at no cost to channel partners.

According to Chris Zamagias, F5 Networks’ ANZ channel manager, if a reseller is focused on security, this new programme “is a great way to get up to speed with [F5 Networks’] product portfolio”. Zamagias explains that the programme has both a technical and a sales part, depending on the partner skills set. “We try to tailor it to each partner. It is not just about boxes, it is about business issues,” he says. Each curriculum, sales and technical, requires an exam to achieve certification.

Zamagias says the company will be driving this programme in New Zealand this year, where the company is 100 percent channel-focused. “This is an opportunity for partners to upskill. We hope to uncover new opportunities for resellers,” he says.

Additionally, F5 is also looking for more partners in the country and the channel manager says it is working with the distributors on that.

“F5 has a comprehensive security solution portfolio that offers channel partners an open field to identify new opportunities, enhance their profitability and increase market penetration,” says Dean Darwin, SVP, Worldwide Partner Organisation at F5.

“Through this accreditation, partners will drive new business and increase their understanding of the ever-changing security environment.”

F5 Networks is distributed in New Zealand by Westcon, Distribution Central and Observatory Crest.

The new accreditation programme comes six months after F5 Networks launched a cloud licensing programme especially developed for infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) cloud providers. At the same time, the company also created a channel-specific programme, named Cohesion, which allows traditional channel partners to engage in cloud-specific opportunities and sell a specialised software solution to their qualified customers.