Symantec, Veritas Merger Could Open Doors for Government VARs

According to the merging companies, customer and partner benefits that will result from the $13.5 billion transaction remain the same. All industries can expect a broader range of security and storage solutions; enhanced technology through combined expertise; and a more expansive global presence for sales, services, and support. And in that sense, government VARs could perhaps see some doors open. "Right now, we do nothing with Veritas," says Marisa Young, manager of inside sales and marketing at International Systems Marketing, Inc. (ISM). The Rockville, Maryland-based security product and services provider has customers throughout the government sectors, and is a long-time Symantec reseller. While it won't likely cause any major waves, Young says, the deal is definitely a plus, not a minus. "It's all technology that's associated with security, which means it will play well in the government channel. Veritas is now on our schedule and knowing Symantec it's sure to become an even bigger seller. Inheriting new technology means new opportunity."

Executives from both Symantec and Veritas assure customers and partners that the united front will not bring with it weary customers, as may sometimes be the case with mega mergers or acquisitions; instead, says Ajei Gopal, senior vice president of technology and corporate development at Symantec, the merger will provide the channel more to set out on the table. "Customers " from commercial enterprises to federal agencies " are facing explosion in complexity and cost surrounding security and information availability. We wanted to provide a broad set of solutions from one source. That will be of tremendous value to customers and partners."

Above all else, the merger means choice. "The needs of partners serving the federal government are different than the partners serving the state and local government," says Mark Bregman, chief technology officer at Veritas. "But the combination of these two companies enables them to offer the whole range of technology needs. It really becomes rocket science."