PEAK16: SonicWall—A Nimble, Strategic Channel Partner

/0 Comments/in , /by

As PEAK16 comes to a close, I would like to recap some of the highlights from the numerous conversations with our world class and loyal VAR community.

From the stage, the close to 744 channel partners in attendance heard about the latest ways to protect customers while ensuring IT is a business enabler, especially in light of the growing pervasiveness of ransomware. I trust that all those who attended are leaving Las Vegas with expanded knowledge, tools and solutions to equip their customers to open their own ‘Department of Yes.’  We have an amazing VAR base who deploy and manage secure networks for 32 percent of the SME market (According to Infonetics Q1 2016).

We highlighted the new SonicWall Capture Advance Threat Protection Service which is fully operational and provides arguably the best Advanced Persistent Threat (APT) and ransomware prevention in the market. This cloud based service, available with SonicWall firewalls, provides advanced threat detection and sandboxing with a multi-engine approach to stopping unknown and zero-day attacks at the gateway and with automated remediation.

New Cloud Security Management Solution to meet growing demand for Security-as-a-Service

In order to help our VARs drive operational efficiency and meet the growing demand for security-as-a-service, SonicWall announced a technology preview of its Cloud Security Management Solution. This Cloud Global Management System (GMS) will enable partners to scale even faster, with streamlined deployment, management and reporting. We are in beta today.

PEAK16—The Buzz in the Halls

Beyond the official keynotes and breakout sessions, the buzz at Peak16 was around the upcoming acquisition of SonicWall by Francisco Partners and Evergreen. Announced earlier this summer, the sale will allow SonicWall to become an even more nimble and strategic network security solution provider. Our new Secure First Partner Program will help partners differentiate their offerings in the marketplace, while ensuring we provide the right partners increased profitability based on the level of value they provide to our customers.

“I started attending SonicWall’s PEAK again since it relaunched in 2014. During this period my company has grown in excess of 30 percent each year with SonicWall network security solutions and as a result just recently outgrew our office space and relocated to our own building two weeks ago. I don’t think this growth is by any accident, as the networking, contacts and content at these PEAK16 Conferences leave me charged up with new ideas and seeking new opportunities to expand our business,” said Steven J. Ryder, president, True North Networks, LLC.

It was great to reconnect in-person with our channel partners at PEAK16. Thanks to our loyal partner network, our solutions are actively providing secure access to more than one million networks, ranging from small businesses to leading retail and education institutions.

New SonicWall Capture Enraptures Partners at Annual PEAK16

/0 Comments/in , /by

Today’s advanced threats are designed to evade detection. An explosion of zero-day threats challenges every one of us. In 2015 alone, our solutions blocked more than 8.19 billion attacks. And most recently, the onslaughts of ransomware attacks have escalated an environment of fear. How do you defend against unknown zero-day threats? How can you turn that fear into greater security confidence? How can you say YES to new IT projects without regret? Many of the answers will be highlighted at SonicWall PEAK16.

This week, I am honored, as keynote speaker, to present the current market challenges and SonicWall’s strategic solutions at the PEAK16 Conference. Attending the conference at the Aria in Las Vegas is a sold-out crowd of more than 700 channel partners focused on network security. The conference will have a heavy focus on SonicWall Capture Advanced Threat Protection (ATP) and Content Filtering Service 4.0. We are also providing a tech preview of our Cloud Global Management System (GMS).

These are just a few of the solutions we will cover that will help turn fear and hesitation into confidence and progress. The PEAK16 Conference doesn’t stop there. We’ll spend two and half days covering more than 30 breakout sessions and providing both technical as well as business focused content to better enable our partners to better protect their customers. Our customers are already benefiting from SonicWall Capture.

Photo of the audience at PEAK 2016

“We did some evaluations of other sandbox solutions, but SonicWall Capture was the easiest to implement and most cost effective to license and manage. Because it’s offered as an upgrade to our firewall and only requires a firmware update, testing and eventual deployment into a production environment was really easy. We are looking at utilizing this at our other sites as we focus on multiple, layered approaches to security,” stated Zachary A. Radke of Santa Fe Senior Living.

Congratulations to all our partners who are making an investment in time and travel. We are proud to work with you to deliver world-class security. Let’s turn fear and doubt into confidence. Let’s find all the different ways we need to say YES!

SonicWall Announces New “Reward for Value” for Channel Partners

/0 Comments/in , /by

I like cars. All kinds of cars. From high speed racers, to utility pickups and even classics like the 1961 Corvette I’m looking to restore in my spare time. Partner programs are a lot like cars. Some are basic and get you from point A to point B. Others are high performance vehicles designed to thrill. As we announce the new  SonicWall Secure First partner program and Reward for Value incentives at our PEAK16 conference this week in Las Vegas, we’ll unveil a program that I’d like to believe has a lot of horsepower, gives its drivers great controls, and is a dependable ride.

At the heart of the new program are our partnering engines designed to help our partners deliver the best security possible to protect their customers while creating more value for their business. We’ve tuned up all the partnering engines Incentives, Enablement, Support and Services.

For the incentive engine, “Reward for Value” recognizes and rewards partners for the full value they contribute to selling and supporting SonicWall solutions across the entire customer lifecycle. Whether it’s hunting a new sales opportunity, delivering a proof of concept, attaching incremental security services subscriptions to a sale or demonstrating vertical market expertise, Reward for Value delivers balanced up-front discounts and back-end rewards.

We’re also revving up new partner sales and SE trainings and accreditation tracks all built on a new partner enablement platform that delivers rich media training content and sales tools designed around the customer lifecycle. The new accreditations will provide valuable general knowledge on the threat landscape and cyber security, as well as on the latest SonicWall solutions like SonicWall Capture our new advanced threat protection offering.

Additionally, the Authorized Support Partner program is being announced to help partners builds out profitable support and services practices with their SonicWall solutions. Rich with support and services enablement that will ensure together we deliver customer success, this new program will recognize and reward Partners for owning their customers through deployment, support, optimization and upgrades. We’re also highlighting the momentum we’re building with our Security-as-a-Service and how partners can deliver managed security services on the SonicWall platform.

With close to 750 Partners attending from across the Americas, this is our largest and most successful partner event in the history of SonicWall. In fact, I’ve talked to Partners here who have attended every Peak we’ve hosted over 14 years! Talk about a loyal and dedicated Partner base. It’s humbling and an honor to count these companies among our Partners. And speaking of great Partners, I want to thank our platinum sponsors for co-sponsoring this annual event Tech Data, D&H Distributing, Securematics, SYNNEX and Ingram Micro. Without them none of this would have happened.

Our Americas business is running on all cylinders, the partnering engines are revving up and we’re thrilled to launch our Secure First partner program and Reward for Value. With the partner feedback and validation we’re receiving at PEAK, we’ve got our eyes focused on the road ahead and together with our Partners are speeding toward even greater success.

“SonicWall has proven to be a winner for us in our security practice. We have had a number of wins against other security products because of the support provided by SonicWall. PEAK16 is in that it enables me to engage with peers and enhance my skills,” says Jeffrey Grant, vice president of Tri-Delta Resources Corp.

“SonicWall understands partner challenges, enabling us to deliver thousands of customer centric solutions over the 25 years,” said Joseph Tassia, president of Nuoz.

I am meeting one-on-one with our partners this week to listen and help them further with their security mission. Follow @SonicWall on Twitter and SonicWall on Facebook with #YesPeak16 to join in the conversation and get updates. We want to hear from you.

FOLLOW US

Tech Data and SonicWall Partner to Build Industry Leading Security Solutions

/0 Comments/in /by

The following is a guest post from Sid Earley, Vice President, SonicWall Solutions Group, Tech Data Corp.

The Peak 2016 conference is taking place next week from Aug. 28-31 in Las Vegas. The partner education conference offers an opportunity to learn and explore how to push beyond traditional boundaries and safely dive into cloud, mobility and the Internet of Things. It’s an opportunity to gain insights about security trends, ways to grow their business with SonicWall. As a distribution sponsor,Tech Data is proud to partner with SonicWall to provide education and consulting for resellers focused on industry-leading solutions.

As the need for security solutions have increased, so has the number and complexity of cyber threats. According to Gartner, the market for cybersecurity software and services is about $75 billion, and is expected to reach $170 billion by 2020. Tech Data is committed to developing security solutions that help identify, protect against and respond to this rapidly evolving landscape. Tech Data offers comprehensive security solutions that meet the evolving needs of this dynamic market, helping you protect your business and your customers’ data.

While our Tech Data Cloud business unit has been enabling our customers for more than five years, and continue to innovate, we recently introduced two new dedicated teams to further support our customers in a very dynamic market. In May, Tech Data launched its Security and Information Management business unit, which is strategically focused on the delivery of customer enablement tools, including security assessments and professional services, to help solution providers build security practices and increase their overall knowledge of the market. In July, Tech Data launched its new Internet of Things (IoT) business practice, Smart IoT Solutions by Tech Data. The new practice is designed to aggregate IoT solutions and provides a simplified route to the rapidly expanding IoT market for solution providers.

Tech Data also provides best-in-class customer service and customized partner enablement programs including sales and technical training, lead generation and marketing services. We are committed to arming you with the tools and services your business’s security network needs to grow your business and meet evolving market demands, reduce distractions and ultimately increase profitability.

Curtis Hutcheson, VP and GM of SonicWall and One Identity

SonicWall offers industry-leading security solutions. Together with Tech Data’s dedicated team of industry experts including software licensing specialists, system engineers, and product sales champions we will work with you and your sales team to establish a customized, value-added channel enablement strategy that works for your business.

Please plan to visit us at booth #103 during the event for a one-on-one consultation. See you in Las Vegas!

Engage in event activities and follow the conversation on Twitter at @SonicWall and @Tech_Data using the conference hashtag #YesPeak16.

Ingram Micro and SonicWall at PEAK: Innovating Security Solutions Sales Cycle

/0 Comments/in /by

Note: This is a guest blog post by Eric Kohl, Vice President, Advanced Solutions, Network Security, Ingram Micro

With a proliferation of devices and increasingly sophisticated threats driving expanded opportunity around security, I think we can all agree that it’s worth the time and trouble to build a robust security practice. Our role at Ingram Micro is to show you ways to shorten the security sales cycle to help drive profitability while also positioning your business as a trusted security adviser.

While we have a dedicated team of SonicWall experts who will help you go to market with confidence, I’d like to challenge you to think beyond that to the other ways Ingram Micro can support your security practice. You can do that at the upcoming annual SonicWall PEAK16 Conference, Aug. 28-31 at the Aria in Las Vegas where we are a platinum sponsor and looking forward to meeting all of the 700 attendees. We offer security consulting and education, channel enablement services, and marketing support that help you profitably sell SonicWall solutions. We also provide real-time support, certified technical expertise, technology help desks, dedicated order management and more, so that you can provide your customers with the most up-to-date security solutions and support available. But what you might not know is how our portfolio of professional services can help you better protect your existing customers and open the door to new ones. Identifying weaknesses and vulnerabilities in your customers’ infrastructure can provide a springboard for discussions about the impact of those gaps in security coverage, drastically shortening the sales cycle by providing tests and assessments as an extension of your team’s experts, and following up with reporting and consultation. Once we’ve identified those weaknesses, our technology consulting team can back you up with proof of concept and demos all geared to help you fully secure all of your customers’ environment from devices through the network and right into the cloud.

Attendees at Peak Performance 2015

At PEAK16 next week in the Solutions Expo, stop by Ingram Micro Booth 101 to learn more about how Ingram Micro can help you shorten the sales cycle. (Plus, when you drop your business card at the booth, you could win a yeti cooler in our raffle!). Follow the conversation on Twitter with the conference hashtag #YesPeak16 @SonicWall and @IngramTechSol.

See you there!

Eric Kohl, Vice President Advanced Solutions, Network Security, Ingram Micro

Eric Kohl serves as vice president, Ingram Micro’s Security Business Unit, responsible for driving the strategy and execution of U.S. sales, vendor management, marketing and market development efforts for IT vendors and solution providers within that business unit. Since joining Ingram Micro in 1998, Eric has served as senior vendor business manager for Ingram Micro U.S. and worked in various roles in both product management and purchasing. Originally from the East Coast, Eric lives in sunny California with his wife and two children. He remains a die-hard Red Sox fan, is an avid reader and hack golfer.

Mobile Workers and BYOD are Here to Stay: Is Your Data Secure

/0 Comments/in /by

The way business professionals work has changed dramatically over the last several years, and continues to at an ever-growing rate. They are on the go and working from different locations across all hours using many devices to allow for a work/life balance. We have become an “always-on” society.

Workers are also doing more work remotely, whether it be at a coffee shop, on the train to work, or on a business trip from a hotel room. People want to stay in touch wherever they are and whenever they need to. They also want to use the device they like, whether it is a smartphone, tablet or laptop. In addition, they also need access to the applications they choose to use, some from their work, others of their own. And most importantly, they need access to the data required to do their jobs, whether it is online through the Internet or behind their company’s firewall on the intranet.

Companies clearly need to find a way to provide their mobile workers secure access to any data from any device at any time. That said, companies’ IT organizations need to understand the risks they are opening themselves up to if they don’t take necessary precautions including data loss, malware, device proliferation, rogue applications, lost and stolen devices with data onboard, credential theft, etc.

Today, IT can implement a number of solid mobile workforce management and mobile security management tools to help secure mobile data and devices, such as:

  • Mobile Device Management (MDM)
  • Mobile Application Management (MAM)
  • Secure Sockets Layer Virtual Private Network (SSL VPN)
  • Network Access Control (NAC)

Learn more about what the industry is seeing around providing secure mobile access over BYOD by reading our executive brief, “Ready or not, mobile workers and BYOD are here to stay.”

DOWNLOAD EXECUTIVE BRIEF

Sneak Preview of the Art of the Hack with Rob Krug

/0 Comments/in /by

Well, it’s Peak16 time again at the Aria in Las Vegas.

Did you enjoy Peak 2015? Then check this out ““ they are actually putting me on the main stage this year. If you thought that last year was entertaining, wait till you get a load me this time.

Don’t miss my main stage presentation on Tuesday, August 30, “The Art of the Hack”.

I have been analyzing the latest threats, exploits and breach scenarios, and between you and me, it’s pretty sinister out there. To highlight key information, I have some surprises in store. What better way to deliver a fresh look at the security threat landscape than on the main stage and the big screen. I would love to divulge the details but what’s the fun in that?

Go to the PEAK16 site to get the latest agenda, with all of the keynotes, business and technical sessions on SonicWall network security, access security and email security. This is going to be an awesome event with our channel partners.

I can’t wait to see you there. In the meantime, check out these videos – and follow PEAK16 on Twitter at @SonicWall #YesPeak16 on Twitter.

Explore Advantages of SonicWall Security-as-a-Service for the SMB – Part 1

/0 Comments/in , /by

Don’t try this at home….go with next-gen firewall experts

Cyber attacks are relentless, and increasing in volume, intensity and sophistication. The sophistication of these attacks is beyond your wildest imagining. Do you have the security expertise to guard your business and customer data yourself? Today, more organizations are outsourcing to Security-as-a-Service (SECaaS).

In this two-part blog, I will discuss the top advantages to securing your business with enterprise-class security solutions provided to you as a service. In this first blog, I’ll cover the first four core advantages of SECaaS. In the second, I’ll explore more why this service could work to fit your infrastructure.

Optimally, a Security-as-a-Service provider should enable you to do the following:

1. Outsource your network security to an experienced security provider

Maximize your security position by utilizing certified partners skilled in your next-gen firewalls and associated security technologies. With the right SECaaS solution, you can easily realize the benefits of having an experienced partner overseeing everything for you.

2. Have your SECaaS firewall solution expertly configured by certified engineers

Each business is unique and the firewalls should be built and configurable to fit your needs. Your Security-as-a-Service next-gen firewall solution should block threats on multiple entry points including those from employee laptops, mobile devices and desktops. (Now, even cameras have had malware loaded on them.) You will want custom SECaaS protection for retail, and address the need high-speed wireless network security. For private schools, you will want to protect students and the devices issued to them.

3. The efficiencies of a turn-key solution delivered to your doorstep

You will want your SECaaS solution to have a next-gen firewall, with gateway anti-malware, intrusion prevention and content filtering. All of it should be installed, configured, deployed and managed as one unit. Event data should be available through one reporting system to enable proactive monitor and reporting. Your SECaaS solution should identify threats before your business is impacted.

4. Mobile Mobile Mobile

Allow your employees to access your network while on the road on any device at any time. Your SECaaS should include secure mobile access and VPN for Windows, Apple iOS, Android devices, and enable guest vendors/contractors be able to use the network securely.

Find out how SonicWall Security-as- a-Service (SECaaS) can do it all for you. SonicWall SECaaS provides you with the same level of network security that NASA demands and protects your network from a wide range of emerging threats. Pay month to month for a solution that fits your security needs. SonicWall certified partners are relied upon every day and have gone through rigorous training and education. You will be so happy you did not try this at home. Sign up today, click here or email: SECaaS@software.dell.com

learn more

Explore Advantages of SonicWall Security As A Service

/0 Comments/in /by

Don’t try this at home”¦.go with next-gen firewall experts

Cyber attacks are relentless, and increasing in volume, intensity and sophistication. The sophistication of these attacks is beyond your wildest imagining. Do you have the security expertise to guard your business and customer data yourself? Today, more organizations are outsourcing to Security-as-a-Service (SECaaS).

In this two-part blog, I will discuss the top advantages to securing your business with enterprise-class security solutions provided to you as a service. In this first blog, I’ll cover the first four core advantages of SECaaS. In the second, I’ll explore more why this service could work to fit your infrastructure.

Optimally, a Security-as-a-Service provider should enable you to do the following:

1. Outsource your network security to an experienced security provider

Maximize your security position by utilizing certified partners skilled in your next-gen firewalls and associated security technologies. With the right SECaaS solution, you can easily realize the benefits of having an experienced partner overseeing everything for you.

2. Have your SECaaS firewall solution expertly configured by certified engineers

Each business is unique and the firewalls should be built and configurable to fit your needs. Your Security-as-a-Service next-gen firewall solution should block threats on multiple entry points including those from employee laptops, mobile devices and desktops. (Now, even cameras have had malware loaded on them.) You will want custom SECaaS protection for retail, and address the need high-speed wireless network security. For private schools, you will want to protect students and the devices issued to them.

3. The efficiencies of a turn-key solution delivered to your doorstep

You will want your SECaaS solution to have a next-gen firewall, with gateway anti-malware, intrusion prevention and content filtering. All of it should be installed, configured, deployed and managed as one unit. Event data should be available through one reporting system to enable proactive monitor and reporting. Your SECaaS solution should identify threats before your business is impacted.

4. Mobile Mobile Mobile

Allow your employees to access your network while on the road on any device at any time. Your SECaaS should include secure mobile access and VPN for Windows, Apple iOS, Android devices, and enable guest vendors/contractors be able to use the network securely.

Find out how SonicWall Security-as- a-Service (SECaaS) can do it all for you. SonicWall SECaaS provides you with the same level of network security that NASA demands and protects your network from a wide range of emerging threats. Pay month to month for a solution that fits your security needs. SonicWall certified partners are relied upon every day and have gone through rigorous training and education. You will be so happy you did not try this at home.

D&H Distributing Conveys the Benefit of Distribution to Partners at Peak 2016

/0 Comments/in , /by

The following is a guest blog post by Michael Schwab, Co-President at D&H Distributing

As a distribution sponsor of Peak 2016, we’re thrilled to enhance our ongoing relationship with SonicWall and meet with the company’s influential base of partners. At this year’s event at the Aria in Las Vegas, Nevada, Aug. 28-31, we will continue our dialog with SonicWall solution providers on the value we can deliver as a distribution partner. D&H is proud to offer exclusive programs, including our new Pre-Sales Support program, dedicated Cloud Specialists, Partner Services marketing materials, the Incentives Rewards loyalty program, and educational opportunities through both trade events and our state-of-the-art Solutions Lab training platform. These services help partners acquire product knowledge, increase purchasing power and gain incremental revenues, including through solutions like the SonicWall security products.

We endorse a consultative approach with our channel resellers, investing time, effort, and a dedicated account person toward helping each customer grow his or her skills set and core competencies. D&H positions its customers to succeed, helping them to leverage lucrative opportunities ranging from business continuity, to upgrade and total technology refresh projects, to ushering-in the new modern workplace with hosted services and seamless mobile technologies.

Our growing relationship with SonicWall is important to us, being part of our focus on the SMB marketplace. This is why series such as the industry-leading SonicWALL TZ Unified Threat Management (UTM) firewalls, the SonicWall NSA next-gen firewalls and the SonicPoint wireless access points are ideal offerings for our mutual customer community.

View of the SonicWall and D&H Distributing booth at Peak16

Partners can speak to a D&H SonicWall Specialist, part of our world-class Solutions Specialist Team, and other D&H personnel at booth #105, to find out how to benefit from our personalized service model. Attendees can enter to win a $500 American Express gift card giveaway, to be announced Tuesday, August 30 at 5:30 p.m. during the show.  Visit www.dandh.com/peak to find out how to take advantage of the comprehensive business support services that D&H provides. New customers are eligible for a $100 American Express gift card after their first $1,000 purchase.

Be sure to mention us when you participate in social media with #YesPEAK16, @dandh, @SonicWALL. And join in the fun by posting about your SonicWall installation in the event’s social media sweepstakes, using #YesPeak16 and/or #Peak16Selfie. SonicWall partners can follow D&H on Twitter, visit us online at dandh.com, or contact their SonicWall Solution Specialist at SonicWALLSpecialist@dandh.com.

Thanks. We look forward to working with you to realize new opportunities in 2016.

Michael Schwab began his D&H career in 1989 as an outside sales rep. in the Philadelphia area. In 1991, Michael joined the corporate group in the Harrisburg headquarters as director of merchandising. Over the years, he has overseen D&H’s staff of product managers, which has grown from a department of two to the current group of 50+.  In 1999, he was promoted to vice president of purchasing where Michael played an integral role in establishing relationships with major D&H partners including Lenovo and Cisco Systems. Michael assumed the role of co-president, along with his brother Dan Schwab, in May 2008. In their inaugural year as co-presidents, Michael and Dan Schwab were ranked in Everything Channel’s list of the Top Executives in 2008, and have been named to its Top Executive lists every year since, including the #1 spot on the 2011 “SMB Superstars” list.

Michael has been instrumental in leading D&H toward various industry and regional distinctions and awards, including the Central Penn Business Journal’s Business of the Year award 2011, and 2012; that magazine’s #1 Privately-Held Business from 2011 to 2014; The ESOP (Employee Stock Option Program) Association’s AACE Award for best communications program by an employee-owned company; and a host of vendor partner awards.

Michael earned his Bachelor of Science in Economics at the University of Pennsylvania in 1985 and completed a law degree in 1988 at Villanova. Prior to D&H, he worked for the leading accounting and consulting firm Arthur Andersen.