Microsoft Corp. today announced a series of measures aimed at expanding its Security Software Advisor (SSA) program, including higher payouts to partners and a broader set of eligible deals. As of Dec. 1, 2006, Microsoft will pay advisory fees to eligible security channel partners of up to 30 percent on most commercial, government and educational licensing programs. These adjustments have been made in response to growing demand for the Microsoft� Forefront� security product lineup from business customers and feedback from the SSA program�s partner base, which has swelled to over 1,700 members in only four months.

�As members of the Security Software Advisor program, we are pleased that Microsoft has listened to our calls for a broader advisor fee program,� said Michael Goldstein, vice president of LAN Associates. �We are seeing a great deal of interest for Microsoft Forefront solutions from enterprise customers and, these adjustments will help us cater to a wider customer base.�

The SSA program has incentives for partners that advise on the purchase decision and deploy Microsoft security and access products. The program was launched in July to support security partners as they incorporate Microsoft Forefront products into their security practices. Microsoft Forefront solutions are designed to address key customer pain points associated with protecting IT environments against the latest threats, while providing secure access to applications and data.