DigiCert announces enhancements to its Certified Partner Program to accelerate SSL, PKI and IoT opportunities

LEHI, Utah and RUST, Germany, March 13, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- DigiCert, Inc., the leading global provider of scalable identity and encryption solutions for internet-based communications, today at CloudFest announced enhancements to its Certified Partner Program that will help its global partners capture the multi-billion dollar opportunity offered by the SSL, PKI and IoT security markets. Today's announcement marks the first phase of an ongoing effort to work with partners and provide added benefits resulting from DigiCert's acquisition of Symantec Website Security.

The Program enhancements offer growth opportunities for partners transitioning from the Symantec Website Security partner program, with access to new products and incentives through the DigiCert portfolio. The enhanced global Program features four tiers with discounts based on sales volume and expertise with dedicated sales, marketing and technical assistance. Along with a new 'Elite' tier, certified partners now have access to sell new PKI solutions for the enterprise.

DigiCert provides free training to help partners reach additional certification levels that are supported by lead generation and market development funding. The company also provides comprehensive deal registration, free not for resale products, cybersecurity best practices, and a complete portfolio of sales and marketing collateral.

Industry-defining program

"We are confident that these enhancements, alongside other developments that we are planning, bolster our program as the most comprehensive of its kind ever offered within the SSL and PKI market," explains Vic Cloutier, Head of Global Channel for DigiCert. "Today's announcements are only the beginning, as we continue to evaluate and evolve the Program, with partner input, to accelerate growth with higher margins for our partners across every type of engagement and customer segment."

The Program enhancements add new benefits to many of the elements of existing programs created by Symantec's Website Security and related PKI solutions business, which was acquired by DigiCert in October 2017. These additions include a new invite-only 'Platinum Elite' tier with premium dedicated technical support, quarterly business reviews across technical, sales and marketing, plus access to market development campaigns to include support at tradeshows. Within the Platinum Elite, DigiCert is welcoming long-established partner, SSL247, as one of the early participants. The Program enhancements also add new PKI and IoT elements with varying degrees of benefit across the tiers.

Launch of Managed PKI

The DigiCert Partner Program has been further enhanced with the availability of DigiCert Managed PKI (MPKI), which partners can use to help their customers simplify enterprise authentication, mobile device management, and encrypted communications. With cloud and hybrid options, organizations can secure employee and partner access to sensitive information via a web-based application or extranet portal, which offers many benefits for Internet of Things (IoT) use cases, enterprise mobility initiatives and access via a wireless network or VPN. Partners may offer any of these products for which they have certified. Three Platinum Partners, namely Acmetek, CertCenter AG and JNR, are certified to offer products within the Managed PKI program, with more partners to follow later in the year.

"The process of transitioning the legacy Symantec frontend systems onto the DigiCert platform is a complex task, which is still ongoing," explains Mirco Reimann, Global Director, Encryption Everywhere,  for DigiCert. "However, the announcement of the channel program enhancements makes it clear that we see our future as working more closely with the channel, which we believe will be an engine for strong growth opportunities over the next few years ? especially in higher-value areas such as PKI-powered IoT solutions."

Channel-only products

The Program includes channel-only initiatives that are designed to help partners win new business and create valuable upsell opportunities. Through the DigiCert Encryption Everywhere program, channel partners can offer basic encryption for free as part of a bundle within hosting packages to provide clear merchandizing and monetization with an upsell path to higher margins.

"The Program enhancements will also mark the start of a sustained recruitment drive focused on adding distributors and partners in regions and vertical markets where we are currently underserved, and increasing opportunities for current partners," Cloutier added. "With DigiCert, our partners will benefit from being aligned with a company focused on product and technology innovation, one that is recognized for its leadership in industry standards and emerging markets."

DigiCert will grandfather its existing and former Symantec Website Security partners into the combined Program at their current tiers and begin the first of its new training and certification workshops during Q2 of 2018.

Supporting quotes from partners:

Ramesh Nuti, Founder & CEO for Acmetek, said, "In the last few years, the significant growth of internet-connected devices has created a need for our clients to leverage IoT and Enterprise PKI. Whether our clients are securing corporate users and devices, or manufacturing smart systems (such as smart cars, smart homes, Fitbit watches and more), the DigiCert PKI platform scales to address their challenges. In addition to the robust platform capability, the new DigiCert PKI program offers the support and training to expertly win both mindshare and marketshare."

Luis Federico Reimers, Head of Sales for CertCenter AG, said, "The security industry benefits from joined up and collaborative end-to-end solutions and the enhancements to the DigiCert portfolio and channel programs delivers real advantages to us that we can pass on to our clients."

Timothée Brogniart, Sales Director for SSL247, said, "We welcome the improved partner program from DigiCert and look forward to gaining new skills and certifications that will help us add value to our offerings. As we start to explore new areas, we value the commitment DigiCert has shown to ensure that the channel is supported with exclusive products that help us to retain and grow our customer relationships."

About DigiCert

DigiCert is a leading provider of scalable security solutions for a connected world. The most innovative companies, including the Global 2000, choose DigiCert for its expertise in identity and encryption for web servers and Internet of Things devices. DigiCert supports SSL/TLS and other digital certificates for PKI deployments at any scale through its certificate lifecycle management platform, CertCentral. The company has been recognized with dozens of awards for its enterprise-grade management platform, fast and knowledgeable customer support, and market-leading growth. For the latest DigiCert news and updates, visit digicert.com?or follow?@digicert.

SOURCE DigiCert, Inc.