ADSI woos members with draft code

Hobson: We are keen to hear from security integrators that are interested in joining the scheme

Momentum is gathering behind the Association of Data Security Integrators (ADSI) after the nascent VAR body drew up a draft code of conduct.

Originally dreamt up in late 2008 by a group of prominent security VARs including GSS, Vistorm and Secon, ADSI has been formed to raise standards in the security channel.

ADSI’s Executive agreed a draft code earlier this month and that will now be
presented to the initial proposed members. An association web site and logo will soon be unveiled.

David Hobson, managing director of security VAR GSS, who is on the Executive, said: “We are keen to hear from security integrators that are interested in joining the scheme to promote good practice in our industry.”

James McKee, security consultant at reseller Qual, was reserving judgement until more details filter through.

“I am all up for squeezing out the cost-plus-one players, but it depends on the fine detail,” he said.

“If ADSI requires x amount of accredited engineers trained up to the highest level, then it may not be possible for smaller resellers to join. There is a danger it could become an ‘us and them’ situation.”

ADSI will also be open to vendors and Nigel Hawthorn, EMEA marketing vice president at security vendor Blue Coat, also welcomed the concept behind the ADSI.

“We as vendors need to support groups like this to ensure we have happy customers,” he said.

“As a vendor sometimes you get calls from end users who feel the product is not performing well and the channel partner not having the right skills is occasionally at the base of it.”

For more information, resellers should contact Hobson via email at:
dhobson@gss.co.uk or Rob Gupta at: rob.gupta@secon.co.uk.