Symantec Offers Backup Exec.cloud Migration Plan for Partners

Security vendor Symantec (SYMC) said last week that it would be shutting down its Backup Exec.cloud service in January to focus on other cloud-based offerings — but what does this decision mean for channel partners?

According to a company spokesperson, “Symantec remains committed to helping partners simplify the backup and recovery process for their valued customers,” noting that the security vendor will continue to invest in its other backup and recovery offerings.

For partners with customers in need of “strict backup policies, server protection or file recovery options,” Symantec recommends leveraging its on-premise Backup Exec software.

Additionally, partners should be aware that “Backup Exec.cloud customers are entitled to Backup Exec software at 35 percent off MSRP for their order,” the spokesperson said. 

Symantec sent the following email to partners last week to inform them of the company’s decision to discontinue the Backup Exec.cloud product offering:

“Dear valued partner:

As you know, one of our primary goals is to delight you and your customers with our product offerings. Taking this into consideration and carefully evaluating the overall needs of our customer base, we have made the difficult decision to begin the process of discontinuing Symantec Backup Exec.cloud. This decision will allow us to focus our development resources on other cloud-based services that can offer greater features to meet key customer needs.

On 6 January 2014, you will no longer be able to sell subscription licenses or renewals for Backup Exec.cloud. Existing customers will be able to utilize the product until the end of service availability on 6 January 2015 or the end of their current term (whichever comes first). After 6 January 2015, customers and partners will not have access to the service, data or Technical Support.

We are notifying you now in an effort to minimize the impact of this decision on your business operations. The timing of the Backup Exec.cloud service discontinuation is designed to allow you to make full use of your existing service term. However, if your pre-paid service term extends beyond January 6 2015, you are eligible for a pro-rated refund. More information will be provided later on refund mechanisms for any prepaid service period falling after the discontinuation date.

Key dates to note:
•Early December 2013: Customers notified via email.
•6 January 2014: End of availability for Backup Exec.cloud, which means SKUs will become unavailable and there will be no new sales or renewals.
•6 January 2015: End of service and support for Backup Exec.cloud. Customers will no longer be able to login to the service and Technical Support will not be available.

Our team is committed to providing you with Technical Support throughout this process. Please see the end of this message for contact information.

This decision does not impact our commitment to Symantec Endpoint Protection.cloud, Symantec Endpoint Protection Small Business Edition 2013 or on-premise Backup Exec and NetBackup software and appliances.

Need more information? We encourage you to visit PartnerNet (login and password required) and download this Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document, which includes important information on your migration options.

If you have customers requiring refunds, you should follow the standard Symantec refund process.

We realize the EOL process is never ideal for you or your customers, but we are doing everything we can from a communications and process standpoint to minimize the disruption to your customers’ business operations.

Sincerely,
The Symantec Team”

The spokesperson said customers were officially notified today via email.