Intel Security Partner Program Adds New Profitability Features, Designations

Intel (INTC) Security said it has added new features to its channel program in a second phase of enhancements focused on improving profitability and efficiency for partners.

The vendor, which delivered the initial rollout of its program for security partners last October with a blueprint to phase in the full offering over an 18-month period, plans to deliver the final stage of improvements in January, 2106. Those enhancements will center on reducing the cost of doing business with Intel Security to help distributors and resellers boost margins.

Program changes include an end to tiered pricing and new partner designations mapped to the industry standard platinum, gold and silver.

Here are the new features:

Lisa Matherly, Intel Security Worldwide Partner Programs Marketing and Operations head, said the vendor’s program improvements speak to its goal to lead the market.

“Our goal is to be the number-one security partner for our customers, and to reach this goal we need to provide flexible and profitable programs that will sustain as customer needs and partner business models evolve,” she said. “Together, we have the opportunity to redefine the industry and provide better security outcomes for our mutual customers.”

Last week, as part of a wide-reaching corporate overall in which Intel president Renee James exited, the vendor officially folded its security operation, which had operated independently since acquiring McAfee for $7.6 billion in 2010, into its corporate umbrella under the direction of general manager Chris Young.