RSA Security is looking to expand its partner network to lift its identity in vertical market segments. The growth plans coincide with the security vendor's appointment of Sydney-based security consultancy outfit, ThinkSecure, as its fourth local SecureWorld Solutions partner.

ThinkSecure joins Dimension Data, Loop Technology and Priority 1.

To achieve that level, RSA regional channel manager, Gavin Jarvis, said partners must join its SecureWorld partner program and become an Access partner before moving up the ranks. At that level, partners need to have a minimum of two dedicated sales personnel.

Solution partners are required to have a minimum of two RSA trained technical personnel, Jarvis said.

RSA was now looking to recruit more partners, particularly those that can take its products into new market areas, he said.

"What we found with some of our partners is they like to operate in a particular market vertical. Some might be strong in government or healthcare and we're looking for partners that can assist us in those verticals," Jarvis said.

RSA, which is a division of EMC, has 30 Access level partners across A/NZ. Jarvis said RSA will also be enhancing its SecureWorld partner program to make it more beneficial for resellers. Further details will be released towards the end of the year.

ThinkSecure enterprise partner manager, Scott Crane, said the new partnership status aligns the company with a recognised player in the security space.

"To have the highest level of accreditation with a major security provider is very important to us," he said. "There's no greater testament to your business than a recommendation.

"We get deeper access to their technical people and a tighter integration with their sales team as well as access to programs not everyone gets."

ThinkSecure is also expanding its local presence. Crane said the company was opening up new branches in Melbourne and Brisbane.

"There's been a demand from our customers and they have asked us to work with them in multiple locations," he said. "We also see it as a promotional opportunity for our engineering staff in Sydney through giving them a chance to work in a developing market."