Netgear looking for channel partners

Ryan Parker, managing director Netgear said the expansion coincides with the 'evolution of its business'.

"We've always provided firewall and VPN security products, and as threats have become more complicated we have needed to expand the capability of our product range to protect against new threats,' he said.

"It's a natural progression of our product range. The technology has come through acquisition. To make sure that we are successful in this space we are using best of breed partners like Kaspersky, Sophos and Commtouch.  It is complimentary to existing Netgear switching, wireless and NAS ranges. "

Parker said he is looking for two types of resellers; those with experience in security space who are looking for a cost effective SMB solution and those working with existing partners to help them migrate from selling basic firewall and VPN to a UTM solution.

It currently has 30 partners selling its STM products. It wants to make its UTM products available to all partners to remove the FUD (Fear Uncertainty and Doubt) associated with selling UTM in this market.

"It's not that complicated - you should be trained to sell it and of course we offer the training, but you don't have to be a guru," said Parker.

"It can be a simple installation of an appliance that's cost effective and created with industry standard partners. "

For people who want to improve their skill set in security the Prosecure Partner program is a specialisation within the Prosafe program for resellers who want to be trained in selling UTM and STM - free training.

Parker added to give resellers something 'to talk about with their customers' and help make the first sales Netgear will give the reseller the ability to give a UTM unit to a small business + 1 year subscription to take part in a real-world case study program.

He said even though the box is being given away the reseller will still need to install it, so they can sell services around the first installation building the 'first steps' in the relationship with the customer.