Symantec Adds Backup Exec, Endpoint Protection To RMM Platforms

Included in the initiative, Symantec has expanded its integration with several remote monitoring and management (RMM) platforms including Kaseya, LabTech, Level Platforms and N-able Technologies for Symantec Backup Exec 2010, Backup Exec 2010 for Windows Small Business Server, Symantec Endpoint Protection 12.1, and Endpoint Protection 12.1 Small Business Edition. Symantec announced the new MSP program at ConnectWise's IT Nation conference in Orlando.

"A lot of partners were asking us repeatedly, 'Can you make the APIs work so we can monitor your stuff? We're pretty jazzed about it. It's taking our top two leading products, Backup Exec and Endpoint Protection, and interfacing them into the top RMM platforms," said Randy Cochran, Symantec vice president of channel sales for the Americas.

Solution providers can now offer Symantec to customers through multiple means, including on-premise, via the cloud or through the company's ExSP Licensing Program which charges customers for monthly or quarterly use, Cochran said.

"It gives [partners and customers] total flexibility on how they want to offer it and consume it," he said. "We think we really have a winner here. Whether you want the solution in traditional licensing, through an appliance form factor, in the cloud, or connected into an RMM platform, we have that capability."

Cochran couldn't say what percentage of Symantec partners use RMM tools but he said the volume of conversation around RMM made it a top priority for the company. "I'll be at an SMB [channel] event and I guarantee you that will be 70 percent of the conversation," Cochran said.

Additionally, Symantec Backup Exec 2010 now delivers private cloud services, allowing partners to backup and manage multiple customers through a single Backup Exec console. The Backup Exec private cloud services are free to customers and partners on maintenance today, according to Symantec.

Symantec built the offerings to tie into an MSP's existing services offerings in a seamless manner, according to the company. The ExSP licensing Program allows MSPs to buy and offer Symantec software in a monthly subscription-based model, which reduces up-front costs.

Symantec's SMB Specialization program is now updated with the managed service provider component and Cochran encourages partners to go through the additional training, even if they already own the specialization.

"There's no charge. It's online and self-paced. It's really about the Backup Exec and EndPoint solution about how to sell not just on-premise. When do you sell on-premise vs. cloud vs. RMM and what are the benefits of each? It also touches on the [Backup Exec] appliance for however the customer wants to consume it," Cochran said.

Symantec plans to market the managed service provider offering at several road shows and Webinars in coming months, Cochran said.