News | January 25, 2008

Websense Launches New Global Channel Partner Program

Websense, Inc., recently launched a new unified, global channel partner program that provides channel partners with a simple and flexible means to drive growth and profitability in the security market.

The new Websense ChannelConnect Global Partner Program combines the best program features and benefits from Websense and SurfControl channel partner programs worldwide. The program makes it easier for channel partners to engage, sell and support Websense's growing suite of intelligent content protection solutions. In addition, Websense's ChannelConnect Partner Program offers a single framework that scales to meet the needs of small and medium-size business (SMB) to enterprise-focused channel partners.

"Strong channel partners are essential to Websense's ongoing success and help us execute against our vision and drive more value to customers around the globe," said Doug Wride, president, Websense. "Websense's commitment to our channel partners and diligent focus on delivering the right programs, resources and infrastructure will help ensure our mutual success and build a rewarding partnership."

To develop the new global partner program, Websense worked with both Websense and SurfControl channel partners. Through one-on-one meetings, partner conferences and surveys of both partner communities, Websense garnered feedback which helped shape the new program. Websense Partner Advisory Council members were also vocal contributors -- offering valuable feedback on program offerings and key 2008 initiatives. Websense will continue to leverage its relationship with ChannelConnect partners to ensure future enhancements bolster partner value.

Websense acquired SurfControl on October 3, 2007. The acquisition expanded the Websense content protection portfolio and doubled the number of Websense customers.

"As a long-time SurfControl channel partner, I've been impressed with Websense, its open communications and demonstrated commitment to SurfControl channel partners during the acquisition process," said Lisa Carter, president of SpartanTec Inc., based in Loris, South Carolina. "I believe working with Websense is great news for both my company and my customers. I now have access to leading security technology along with a world-class channel partner program."

New program elements include:

  • A flexible framework that addresses the diverse and growing needs of the Websense partner community. As Websense continues to grow, so do the types of partners with which the company forms relationships. Websense designed the new ChannelConnect program to address the specific needs of a number of different types of partners and their business models. Websense has created a program for solution providers such as value-added resellers, large account resellers and direct marketing resellers, as well as Authorized Training Partners and technology alliance partners. Websense plans to expand the ChannelConnect program for additional partner types, including systems integrators, in the second half of 2008.
  • Online portal makes it easier for partners to access a variety of valuable resources, training and marketing support materials. The new ChannelConnect Partner Portal streamlines the process for partners who want to access a variety of online partner-ready Websense resources. With the click of a mouse, ChannelConnect partners can access comprehensive product information, competitive product guides, marketing campaign kits, online deal registration, product renewal management, training and certification exams, and other resources.
  • New product bundles designed to help channel partners build recurring revenue streams. With an expanded security product portfolio that includes both acquired and organically developed technologies, Websense now offers channel partners new sources of cross-selling and recurring revenue opportunities. Websense plans to offer bundled solutions encompassing Web security, messaging security and data security.

"Websense is one of our most strategic and valued partners, offering us a portfolio of solutions that meet our clients' business needs," said Ves Bjelakovic, vice president of Sales and Marketing for Toronto-area channel partner Lanworks, Inc. "We have received a great deal of partner support from Websense and have already acquired new sales and customers through our joint marketing programs. In both the short term and long, we expect to see many more successes working with Websense in Canada."

To kickoff the new partner program, Websense plans to host a number of mini regional conferences that include a ChannelConnect Partner Welcome reception, a full day of breakout meetings centered on product roadmaps, the ChannelConnect program and business planning activities. These conferences are scheduled to take place between February 2008 and June 2008 and will target major cities throughout the Americas including Austin, Chicago, Mexico City, New York, San Francisco, Sao Paolo, and Toronto. More information is available to channel partners on the ChannelConnect Partner Portal.

Websense has won numerous channel awards including the CompTIA "Best Channel Strategy" Award in 2006 and the 2007 VARBusiness 5-Star Partner Program award. CRN also recognized Websense Senior Vice President of Americas Sales David Roberts as a 2007 "Channel Chief" for his work at Websense. In Latin America, Websense software was named "Best Corporate Security Suite" at the fifth-annual Channel Awards 2007 ceremony in October 2007. Additionally, Canada's Computer Dealer News named Websense Country Manager Fiaaz Walji one of the Top 25 Newsmakers of 2007.

About Websense, Inc.
Websense, Inc. protects more than 42 million employees from external and internal computer security threats. Using a combination of preemptive ThreatSeeker malicious content identification and categorization technology and information leak prevention technology, Websense helps make computing safe and productive. Distributed through its global network of channel partners, Websense software helps organizations block malicious code, prevent the loss of confidential information and manage Internet and wireless access. For more information, visit www.websense.com.

SOURCE: Websense, Inc.