More money for Microsoft’s associated partner security programs

A piece of information from the Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference 2007 that started today:

Speaking to the strong demand for security solutions, Microsoft highlighted the latest milestones in its Forefront line of security and access products and their associated partner security programs.

To help partners take full advantage of the business opportunity around Forefront, Microsoft announced that it is investing an additional $50 million in sales, marketing, training and other support for its security partner ecosystem over the next fiscal year. This investment builds on the success of Microsoft’s Security Software Advisor program and Security Solutions Competency.

More than 4,000 partners are now enrolled in the SSA program, which was launched just one year ago, and this week Microsoft is expanding the program to enable more partners to take advantage of up to 30 percent additional revenue through SSA. In addition, Microsoft responded to partner feedback on its Dynamic IT vision by enhancing the Security Solutions Competency with new specializations, certifications and program benefits that position partners as specialists in the sale and deployment of security solutions and as trusted IT advisors to corporate customers.