Symantec launches portal for SMB users

David Dzienciol, senior director, enterprise sales and channel, Symantec A/NZ said the portal was also designed to help the vendor’s relationship with the channel.

Symantec's new online tool provides SMB customers with guidance on business issues and offers policy and technology best practices; hints and tips; real-world customer stories; a‘health-check’ analysis tools; and other resources.

“Symantec’s channel partners will be able to work directly with customers on providing advice and support via the portal,” he said.

According to Dzienciol, SMBs make up the majority of the Australian business landscape and owners and managers of these smaller businesses are constantly trying to do more with less.

“Often they do not employ IT specific staff and have neither the expertise, time or budget to focus on the security and back-up of their network systems,” he said.

“Partnering activities are the most critical factor for succeeding in the SMB space. Resellers are the best conduit to find and support SMBs given their trusted advisor capacity.”

He told CRN channel partners need specific tools, training and expertise to understand and address SMB resource and technical knowledge constraints.

Currently the site features information on Symantec initiatives and promotions and also links end users with channel partners, providing one-click access to a Partner Locator tool, and directing customers to members of the registered Symantec partner community for further advice and support.