Musings and Observations from Partner Engage 2012

[John_Eldh]

Last month, we held our annual Partner Engage conference in Baltimore – my first as the new Symantec Channel Chief – and coming away from that event I am filled with a real sense of excitement about the opportunities, insight and experiences we shared there. As you all know, Symantec is in a state of evolution -- transforming, refining and improving products, services and processes that can make a difference to partners and their customers. Steve Bennett, our new CEO, spoke at the event and outlined a strategy we are calling ‘Symantec 4.0’ that will be marked by tremendous new opportunities for our partners. I’ve been with Symantec for eight years – they’ve all been great years – but I am more confident than ever that we as a company are at the precipice of the best chapter yet in our history.

The level of enthusiasm among the attendees at Partner Engage was palpable, as they are witnessing firsthand the changes that are happening within the company. At the forefront of this change are our partners, who will be able to participate in, and contribute to, the future of Symantec 4.0 – while expanding their offerings and growing their business in the process.

In speaking about success, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention our 2012 Partner Award Winners which were recognized during Partner Engage. These partners (and our entire partner community) are a testament to the growth and immense success that can be achieved by leveraging the technology and vast resources Symantec has to offer and will continue to offer in the future.

The fact is, it’s an exciting time to be part of Symantec; whether you’re an employee, a partner or a customer, there is an undercurrent of optimism that has always been here and will continue to grow as the Symantec 4.0 strategy is realized. Symantec’s channel and the company in general are undergoing a transformational journey which will bring change; and, although the channel was in a state of transformation prior to Steve Bennett’s appointment, the process is continuing as a key part of Symantec 4.0.

My hope is that all the partners walked away from the event as energized as I was about what we’re accomplishing in the market, and the role our partners will have in leading the way to significant growth. We have a solid foundation to build upon that will yield significant fruit in the coming months and years.

In my six months as Channel Chief, I’ve logged more than 50,000 miles traveling across the Americas, meeting with partners and getting a feel for their needs and their capabilities. Now that Partner Engage has concluded, I am feeling a tighter sense of alignment and collaboration with our partners as we move forward, evolve and continue to maintain the focus on our partner community. I look forward to the benefits and opportunities Symantec 4.0 will deliver to partners, including a better customer experience and exponential growth.

Let us know what you think by leaving a comment below. And, if you are a Symantec Partner, please log in to PartnerNet for more information.