Symantec's first local partner programme arms Hong Kong businesses with world-class Internet security solutions

Hong Kong -- September 19 2001 - Symantec, a world leader in Internet security technology, has unveiled a new partner programme that provides local Internet security partners, value-added resellers and professionals with the expertise and resources necessary to effectively plan, implement and manage complex security architectures for their customers. The programme is the first of its kind to be implemented by Symantec in Hong Kong.

In an effort to help local companies combat rising Internet hazards, Symantec has appointed Doctor A Security Systems (HK) Ltd. and Kenfil Hong Kong Ltd. as Enterprise Security Partners; Automated Systems (HK) Ltd., Data World Solutions Ltd., NetMon Information Systems Limited and Unisys China/Hongkong Ltd. as Enterprise Solutions Partners; and Software Vision Company Ltd. as Value Added Distributor. Working with these authorised partners, Hong Kong businesses can take advantage of Symantec's world-class security services and products.

Symantec has also appointed Training-Partners as an Authorised Training Centre in Hong Kong and across the region. Partners and channels will have access to extensive training in four technical areas critical to today's networked environment: virus protection and content management; firewall and VPN technologies; intrusion detection systems; and vulnerability management.

"The shortage of qualified security professionals in the marketplace presents a tremendous opportunity for Symantec's enterprise partners to provide the skills in demand, ensure customers obtain the true return on their security software investment and expand their businesses," said Daniel Cheng, managing director of Hong Kong / China for Symantec.

"Symantec is the only Internet security company that offers its partners and customers the complete range of security products at the gateway, the server, and the client levels. We are committed to helping our partners expand their business by making sure they have the knowledge, skills and tools necessary to meet the security needs of their customers," added Cheng.

Symantec has created a special framework to offer programme partners the latest security expertise and training. Trained certified partners are categorised into three groups, Enterprise Security Partners, Enterprise Solutions Partners and Enterprise Sales Partners, based on their ability to fulfil and/or maintain a minimum set of requirements in regard to revenue targets, training and certification, support infrastructure and customer satisfaction.

"Our core focus is to provide the highest level of products, services and expertise. By partnering with Symantec we can be trained and certified in the different security technologies and leverage their expertise and knowledge, " said Norman Pan, Managing Consultant, Doctor A Security Systems, one of Symantec's authorised Enterprise Security Partners.

"Security solution providers cannot work alone in this ever-changing industry. Our team needs to be up-to-date on the latest viruses, vulnerabilities and security issues from around the globe. Partnering with Symantec, a known security expert, will help us deliver superior security services and solutions to our customer base, " said Simon Mak, Executive Vice President of Kenfil, Symantec's authorised Enterprise Security Partner.

"As a Symantec partner, Software Vision is excited about Symantec's commitment in the form of technical certification and training. This investment in training and subsequent monitoring of partner certification progress and status will enable us to deliver very focused, innovative solutions based on security best practices, " said Bill Yu, Director of Software Vision Co., Ltd, the newly appointed Value Added Distributor.

Individuals can earn Symantec Product Specialist status after completing the certification exam on a specific Symantec security product. They can be qualified as a Symantec Certified Security Engineer after passing all product and knowledge certification exams within a specific technical area.

There are two additional partner categories. Premiere Software Partners include mass merchants, mail order companies and retailers, while Software Partners include those businesses interested in getting into the Internet Security market.

"Our partnership with Symantec will enable us to provide quality programmes, tracking towards certification, on all areas of security for IT professionals who wish to extend their knowledge and expertise in security," said Sunil Desai, General Manager Asia Pacific, Training-Partners, an authorised training centre for Symantec.

"Nowadays, as security becomes increasingly complex and the threats more prevalent, organisations want to work with solutions providers or security managers with proven qualifications. The training, to be delivered by our centres across Asia Pacific and customised for the needs of the local markets, will provide the essential skills in security management and implementation, " Desai added.

About Symantec
Symantec, a world leader in Internet security technology, provides a broad range of content and network security solutions to individuals and enterprises. The company is a leading provider of virus protection, vulnerability assessment, intrusion prevention, Internet content and e-mail filtering, remote management technologies and security services to enterprises around the world. Symantec's Norton brand of consumer security products leads the market in worldwide retail sales and industry awards. Headquartered in Cupertino, California, Symantec has worldwide operations in 37 countries. For more information, please visit www.symantec.com

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