Bitdefender Revamps MSP Program for ‘Fast-Changing Threat Landscape’

Bitdefender, the provider of cybersecurity and antivirus, has rebuilt its MSP program with new incentives, opportunities for increased profitability and accelerated return on investment.

The MSP program will be added to the company’s existing Partner Advantage Network (PAN) program, Reselling Channel program and subsequently the Integrated Channel program — together forming part of the company’s consolidated global growth strategy.

Jason Eberhardt, Bitdefender’s head of global cloud and MSP, tells us the changes are driven by the “fast-changing threat landscape” and quick adoption of managed security services across different partner profiles, including VARs.

Bitdefender’s Jason Eberhardt

“We offer MSPs the ability to use not for resales (NFRs) [a way to educate and train MSPs/partners], as well as tiered pricing and the opportunity to have an assigned Bitdefender employee dedicated to helping their company grow,” he said. “The revamped global MSP partner program is expressly designed to: help our partners differentiate themselves; protect their customers from targeted attacks; and increase revenues and profit margins as the business grows.”

This new partnership structure will offer MSPs, which are increasingly being asked to consult on cybersecurity matters, a competitive advantage through access to technology, and opportunities to develop their business through the extension of services while simplifying operational aspects, according to Bitdefender.

The program’s multilevel architecture will give MSPs varying levels of access to marketing development funds, dedicated operational and business support, and access to Bitdefender’s team of technical account managers.

Bronze partners represent the entry level into the program, benefiting from tier-based pricing, usage breakdown visibility per customer, level 2 support and NFR license keys for internal use. Starting with the silver level, partners’ benefits are higher, including access to marketing development resources, a dedicated partner success manager and partner locator listing.

Gold partners receive a dedicated technical account manager and potential entry to the partner advisory board and reference program.

“MSSPs benefit in the same ways as MSPs, such as tiered pricing, NFR and the opportunity to employ a partner enhancement plan,” Eberhardt said.

Cristian Corabu, Bitdefender’s senior director of worldwide enterprise marketing, said in the context of an ever-changing threat landscape, “there has never been a more exciting time to partner with Bitdefender. We look forward to building strong and mutually beneficial partnerships within the MSP community over the coming months.”