As organizations embrace digital innovation, it can also introduce network complexities and security concerns without the right technology and trusted advisors in place. This is especially important given the highly distributed business environments and hybrid workforces that are a reality today. Fortinet's channel partners play a critical role in helping customers address and navigate some of today's biggest cybersecurity challenges. 

To reflect the changing landscape, Fortinet is advancing the Engage 2.0 Partner Program to address changing market needs and further enable partners to have the resources needed to meet customer needs. Jon Bove, VP of Americas Channel, discusses the updates being introduced and how partners will benefit from these changes.  

Q&A with Jon Bove: Engage 2.0 Partner Program Updates

What changes are being rolled out for the Engage Partner Program? 

Jon Bove: Organizations have found securing their networks to be far more difficult without the right technologies or trusted advisors to provide support. With these challenges in mind, Fortinet is making the following additions to its Engage 2.0 Partner Program:

• New Consumption Models
• Enhanced Cloud Partner Benefits
• Additional Specializations
• Updated NSE Courses to Meet Compliance Requirements 

What was the motivation behind introducing new consumption models for MSSP and SP partners? 

Jon Bove: More and more customers have been searching for flexible consumption models that can be deployed quickly and at a low cost. The introduction of the new consumption models for Fortinet's end point solutions enables MSSP and SP partners to offer their customers new security services that can meet their needs for flexibility. Fortinet has also seen a significant growth of its consumption offerings, as partners take advantage of the market demand for threat detection security outcomes. By leveraging the Fortinet Security Fabric, MSSP and SP partners can build services and grow their businesses with new consumption models for FortiSIEM, FortiEDR, FortiClient, FortiSOAR, FortiAI and FortiDeceptor.

Can you tell us more about the changes benefiting cloud service provider partners? 

Jon Bove: Fortinet has implemented new ways for cloud partners to leverage Fortinet's Adaptive Cloud Security offerings. Managed cloud service provider partners are also now eligible for the Engage Select Cloud Business Model and for additional discounts on Fortinet's flexible licensing models, including BYOL and pay-as-you-go. Cloud partners now also gain access to FortiCWP and FNDN. These new benefits result in cost savings as partners expand their cloud security services powered by Fortinet.  

How were the three new specializations chosen?

Jon Bove: Fortinet introduced four specializations last year, including Secure SD-WAN, Data Center, Adaptive Cloud Security, and LAN Edge and SD-Branch. We are now adding three more specializations based on areas driving customer demand. The introduction of these new specializations is representative of the rapidly growing market areas that customers are searching for expertise on. Fortinet's new specializations are focused on high growth areas with additions including: Zero Trust Access, Operational Technology and Security Operations. They will further enable partners to differentiate their skillsets and knowledge in these fast-growing areas that customers rely on trusted advisors for.

Fortinet's Ongoing Commitment to Partners

The Fortinet Engage Partner Program helps partners develop the expertise needed to deliver digital transformation through customizable programs with business opportunity as well as the programs and infrastructure in place to accelerate their growth. Partners are also provided flexibility to engage on three business levels: Integrator, MSSP, or Cloud, which provide multiple opportunities to grow different segments of their business, as well as multiple ways to differentiate their offerings with specializations. 

Current partners can visit the Partner Portal to find important updates from Fortinet and our partner program.