Symantec Partner Engage 2009: SaaS Changes On Tap?

Written by The VAR Guy 1
October 28, 2009

Symantec appears to be making some subtle but strategic changes to its SaaS and channel partner efforts. Say goodbye to the Symantec Protection Network and hello to Symantec Hosted Services and the new Symantec Partner Community. The VAR Guy suspects many of those efforts will be discussed at Symantec Partner Engage (Nov. 4-6, Orlando). Here’s the scoop.

First, a little background. Symantec Protection Network, launched in beta in April 2007, initially supported online backup but was expected to expand to support SaaS security. But by June 2009, under new CEO Enrique Salem, it was clear Symantec was preparing to adjust its SaaS messaging and/or technology.

Fast forward to the present and here are some interesting moves:

www.SymantecProtectionNetwork.com and www.SPN.com now redirect to a Symantec Hosted Services website. The VAR Guy’s best guess: The Symantec Protection Network brand has been killed or de-emphasized (mentioned only on selected web pages), with Symantec Hosted Services now the central brand for Hosted Security, Hosted Email Management and Hosted Endpoint storage.
Apparently, Symantec also launched a new Symantec Partner Community that features forums, articles, blogs, event information, videos and more.
During a media conference call on Oct. 29, Symantec Channel Chief Randy Cochran is expected to offer a preview of the Symantec Partner Engage 2009 event. The VAR Guy will be sure to ask about the Symantec Hosted Services and Symantec Partner Community moves.

Sure, the vast majority of Symantec’s business involves on-premise software. But Adrian Chamberlain, VP of SaaS at Symantec, is working overtime to ensure Symantec has a compelling SaaS strategy for channel partners and customers.

The VAR Guy hopes to share more perspectives following the Oct. 29 media briefing with Cochran. Then, it’s off to Symantec Partner Engage (Nov. 4-6, Orlando).

Follow The VAR Guy via RSS; Facebook; Identi.ca; Twitter; and via his Newsletter; Webcasts and Resource Center. Plus, check out more channel voices at www.vartweet.com.