Frequently Asked Questions
What Is McAfee Partner Security Services?
McAfee Partner Security Services (PSS) is an exclusive value-added channel offering to resellers interested in providing managed security services to their small business customers. As value-added providers, McAfee resellers can secure and monitor their customers, while increasing their opportunities to generate more revenue. From a small business perspective, PSS is a trusted solution for companies looking to outsource their security management, freeing up valuable time and resources.
How does Partner Security Services fit into the McAfee SecurityAlliance?
McAfee SecurityAlliance® is the channel program that offers partner benefits for the resale of McAfee products and services. PSS is a Web-based service offering within McAfee SecurityAlliance where resellers provide and monitor a McAfee managed anti-virus or firewall solution to their small business customers without investment cost in hardware and software.
What McAfee solutions are offered in Partner Security Services?
McAfee Partner Security Service currently offers the following solutions:
A certified PSS reseller simply enables the solutions in a small business environment for proactive protection, then provides additional value-add by continuing to oversee the small business’ security reports and support.
What are the key features and benefits of Partner Security Services?
- A unique, small-business solution — PSS provides small businesses with fast solutions that are Web-based, easy to implement, easy to use, and updated automatically
- Recurring revenue stream and renewal rates — McAfee Managed Services are subscription-based services, sold in one and two year license agreements. McAfee’s anti-virus Managed Service has up to 98 percent renewal rates that can account for quick revenue for small businesses looking for immediate protection and your additional service as a value-added reseller
- Low cost of sale — No hardware or software cost to the reseller. Instant provisioning of anti-virus and firewall solutions mean no overhead stock, no inventory to hold, and delivery is faster than your competitors who do hold stock
- Remote monitoring/visibility — Centralised management (currently available only for the anti-virus solution) for an unlimited number of customers allows resellers to view forensic information to offer security advice
- Easy product knowledge — McAfee eLearning offers online training and certification for sales and technical staff
Is Partner Security Services available globally?
PSS is available in North America, EMEA, and APAC.
Are there any fees associated with Partner Security Services?
McAfee Partner Security Service has no reseller fees to participate. McAfee provides this exclusive offering to expand the revenue opportunities for resellers selling McAfee's hosted services. Implementing McAfee solutions, resellers then provide value-added services of installing and monitoring a customer's small business security. Partner Security Service creates reseller opportunities to generate more revenue from small business customers as resellers may opt to charge end-users a monthly fee for the value-added security service.
What are the requirements to join McAfee Partner Security Services?
PSS requires:
- McAfee SecurityAlliance Partner membership
- A signed McAfee Partner Security Services Reseller Agreement
- Provide Value-Added Services to Small Business Customers by offering continued monitoring of the Web-based reports on behalf of the customer
What is the process to join the Partner Security Services Program?
Current McAfee SecurityAlliance Partners should contact their Channel Account Manager regarding PSS. Visit the McAfee SecurityAlliance website to register or learn more.
What does the required McAfee Reseller Agreement define?
McAfee's Partner Security Service Reseller Agreement abides a partner to install and monitor a customer's Web-based reports in good faith on behalf of the customer. Partner creates the e-mail address of mcafeems@partnername.com as a Partner Security Service ID to order product and to receive license correspondence.
What does the required Reseller-Customer Agreement define?
The Customer assigns the right to access the Web- based reports to the reseller. The reseller to customer agreement abides that the customer understands the he is giving up rights to monitor reports to his local reseller. This agreement is strictly between the Partner Security Service and the end-user, and McAfee holds no legal responsibilities.
How does Partner Security Services work?
- McAfee SecurityAlliance Partners join by signing the Partner Security Service (PSS) agreement that describes the service and commitment to customers
- McAfee creates a Partner Security Service account with a PSS ID that provides a Not For Resale license of the McAfee Total Protection for Small Business for demo and trial usage.
- McAfee resellers offer Partner Security Service as a complete, managed desktop solution to their small business customers.
- Partners order the solution for their customers by placing the order under the reseller's PSS ID. Partners assist customers with the desktop security deployment. Partners monitor customers' security detection activity via web-based reports to analyze risk and trends.
Who is the ideal customer for Partner Security Service?
McAfee Partner Security Service brings hassle-free solutions to small businesses looking for peace of mind in protecting their networks. The ideal customer is a small business lacking the resources to manage daily security updates. Candidate characteristics may include:
- Always on, Internet-connected users that are vulnerable to security attacks
- Security management is a distraction from core business
- Limited or no IT resources or security expertise
- Limited security budget
- Decentralised small offices
- Remote and traveling employees
- Needs visibility into protection
- Needs easy-to-acquire and affordable solutions as an initial cost and total cost of ownership
Why would a customer need McAfee Partners Security Service if most of their desktops already have protection?
The Total Protection for Small Business security within McAfee Partner Security Service lifts the technology challenges away from the customer's core business. It automatically keeps virus, spyware and firewall protection up to date to stay ahead of the latest outbreaks. The remote monitoring and reporting are an invaluable security tool for Partners to examine and advise customers to keep their networks safe and in service working for the customer business needs.
What type of customer support is available in Partner Security Service?
Partners offering McAfee's Partner Security Service to their customers will serve as the first point of contact to address customer support, either for sales or for technical assistance. McAfee will provide second and third lines of support to remedy open customer concerns.
For all queries, please call toll free:
- Australia — 1800 644 646
- New Zealand — 0800 508 333