Channel partner programs, Content, Network Security

WatchGuard Unveils Pay-As-You-Go Network Security Hardware, Services

WatchGuard Technologies, a network security hardware and services provider, now offers automated monthly billing for its WatchGuardONE FlexPay program, according to a prepared statement. That way, WatchGuardONE partners can purchase WatchGuard Subscriptions from participating distributors without upfront costs or a long-term commitment.

With the FlexPay enhancements, WatchGuardONE partners can choose between one- and three-year fixed term contracts, MSSP pre-paid points and monthly payments to procure WatchGuard's network security hardware and services, the company said.

WatchGuard Subscriptions are available in the United States via the Synnex Stellr online marketplace. In addition, WatchGuard will continue to adjust and build upon the purchasing options available within FlexPay.

The new offering comes amid the growing popularity of hardware as a service (HaaS) and device as a service (DaaS) business models -- which are designed to align with cloud subscription services. Most major IT distributors -- D&H, Ingram Micro, Tech Data, Synnex and more -- now offer HaaS-oriented financial programs.

The FlexPay enhancements come after WatchGuard in May 2019 expanded its WatchGuardONE channel partner program.

WatchGuard unveiled WatchGuardONE specializations in different product families that enable channel partners to elevate their partner status and earn various benefits, the company said. Furthermore, WatchGuardONE partners can receive financial incentives based on the number of specializations that they earn.

A Closer Look at WatchGuardONE

WatchGuardONE enables MSSPs, MSPs and other channel partners to integrate WatchGuard's network security, secure Wi-Fi and multi-factor authentication (MFA) offerings into their portfolios. It provides channel partners with access to sales, marketing and technical support, along with marketing development funds (MDF) and other incentives.

Meanwhile, WatchGuard is 100 percent channel-focused, the company indicated. It has deployed nearly 1 million integrated, multi-function threat management appliances worldwide.

Dan Kobialka

Dan Kobialka is senior contributing editor, MSSP Alert and ChannelE2E. He covers IT security, IT service provider business strategies and partner programs. Dan holds a M.A. in Print and Multimedia Journalism from Emerson College and a B.A. in English from Bridgewater State University. In his free time, Dan enjoys jogging, traveling, playing sports, touring breweries and watching football.