Monday Morning Impact – November 22

AT&T Cybersecurity and Cisco Collaborate on Managed SASE Solution

AT&T is expanding its global, managed Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) portfolio to include a new offering in conjunction with Cisco.

The new offering is a converged network and security management solution that includes SD-WAN technology and security capabilities backed by policy design and configuration, and 24/7 network management.

“AT&T SASE with Cisco” enables the network to be optimized on a site-by-site basis. It features dynamic routing across multiple wide area network connections. Centralized visibility allows organizations to control access for any device, connecting from any network. The solution also provides identity-based permissions to validate the health of devices for every session.

“The shift to remote work has accelerated the need for SASE solutions so that users and devices are secure anywhere they work,” said Shailaja Shankar, SVP and General Manager of the Cisco Security Business Group. “The AT&T SASE with Cisco offer will provide customers with an innovative way to gain seamless, secure access to any application, from any location in a way that is straightforward to procure, easy to set up, and simple to use and manage through a single cloud dashboard.”

“As a leading MSSP and trusted advisor, it’s important to provide customers with a choice of managed SASE solutions to meet their unique needs,” said Rupesh Chokshi, VP of AT&T Cybersecurity. “Through our collaboration with Cisco, we’re offering an integrated, modern solution that addresses the connectivity and security demands of a multi-cloud, network environment while enabling innovation.”

Professional services are also available through AT&T Cybersecurity.

Channel Impact^®
Partners can more easily leverage SASE to accelerate adoption of cloud-based applications to further support remote workforces or to connect branch offices.

Check Point Software Launches New Training Platform

Check Point Software has launched a new training platform designed to further stimulate understanding of IT security. Known as “Check Point Mind,” the new portal was designed in collaboration with more than 200 training partners.

Some of the programs which can be found on the Check Point Mind Portal include:

• CISO Academy: a global education program for C-Level executives to help master all types of cybersecurity practices and maximize security while learning to balance the handling of tactical issues with strategic leadership responsibilities.
• HackingPoint: a global education program for security experts to help master all types of Pen Testing techniques and cybersecurity practices. Students completing HackingPoint courses will understand how to better protect the corporate network sand resources.
• SecureAcademy: cybersecurity education in partnership with the world’s leading higher learning institutions.
• CyberPark: a collection of partnerships and gamified challenges that enable users to learn about security challenges and train using Check Point solutions in an interactive way.

“With the continued increase in cyber-attacks and more sophisticated cyber threats, Check Point Software, as an enabler of cybersecurity, is committed to making cybersecurity education and knowledge accessible,” said Liat Doron, Vice President, Learning and Training, Check Point Software Technologies. “Through Check Point Mind, we aim to equip anyone from students to C-level executives with cybersecurity knowledge and skills to help meet the global demand for more cybersecurity professionals.”

Users can choose from a wide range of courses and programs available from over 200 partners. Payment can be made through credit card or Check Point Learning Credits.

Channel Impact^®
With programs from more than 200 global training partners, the portal is a platform for users to learn from the masters of the industry to address the global cybersecurity skills shortage. The US alone has a shortfall of almost 465,000 cybersecurity professionals, and globally, this number is estimated to be about 2.72 million.

Aryaka Unveils ‘Accelerate’ Agent Partner Program

Aryaka, a San Mateo-based SD-WAN and SASE vendor, has rolled out its new Aryaka Accelerate Partner Program for sales agents.

Benefits include leads acquired through vendor marketing campaigns, dedicated business development representatives, and similar support. The company has also eliminated protected accounts, quotas, and complex commission tables. The go-to-market alignment includes strategic account mapping, sell-for or sell-with models, and flat-rate, evergreen commissions.

“Aryaka has always worked with partners to evangelize and support enterprise digital transformation through more modern networks,” said said Craig Patterson, Aryaka’s channel chief and vice president of sales for the Americas. “We’ve simplified packaging and pricing and introduced online quoting for our managed SD-WAN solutions so that they’re easy for sales agents to quote and sell to small and medium businesses and global enterprises alike.”

The company is also strengthening its channel team. In addition to the recent hiring of Patterson, the company has also hired channel sales veteran Ed Pearce in a new role as national channel director – North America. Pearce will work closely with Aryaka’s regional sales directors and channel sales directors to support Aryaka’s initial Foundational Partners, including technology services distributors AVANT, BridgePointe Technologies, CNSG, Intelisys, TDM and Telarus.

Other targeted partner types include managed services providers (MSPs), value-added resellers (VARs), hardware distributors, technology services distributors and sales agents. However, programs to support resellers are still pending.

Channel Impact^®
The company intends to simplify their engagement with partners of all types.