Application delivery network vendor F5 Networks (NASDAQ: FFIV) wants its channel partners to command a strong security value-add in the marketplace that will give them a leg-up on competitors and earn them a trusted place with customers. Here’s how F5 is going about it …

F5 is offering channel partners a cost free path to gain a thorough understanding of its security solution portfolio under a new security-centric accreditation program delivered under its Unity channel program umbrella. The accreditation, which includes F5’s data firewall solution, aims to help resellers and distributors handle increasing security threats, identify security-related sales opportunities and, ultimately, grow revenue. Avnet (NYSE: AVT), Ingram Micro (NYSE: IM) and Westcon are F5’s prominent distributors in North America.

By running the security accreditation through its Unity channel partner program F5 makes it readily available to channel partners and distributors worldwide. Separate course materials are provided for sales and technical channel professionals and candidates must pass an exam to earn the badge. Training focuses on learning how F5’s products protect data center and application services, promote user access, reduce IT management’s headaches and improve performance.

“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,” said Dean Darwin, F5 worldwide partner organization senior vice president. “Through this accreditation, partners will drive new business and increase their understanding of the ever-changing security environment.”

F5 has increasingly homed in on security as a viable market for growth. In July, the vendor began offering enterprise organizations free security assessments through application security testing providers Cenzic and WhiteHat Security. For channel partners, F5’s no-cost security assessment serves as a door opener to the vendor’s new BIG-IP Application Security Manager (ASM) Vulnerability Migration Assessment professional service with the vendor intending for its channel partners in North America to leverage the freebie to resell it to business customers.

Earlier this year, F5 initiated its Vault incentives, rewards and training program for partners focusing on security solutions.