PineApp and Softek join forces to trump M86

Let battle commence: Softek is aiming to convert its former M86 dealers to PineApp

Security appliance vendor PineApp and distributor Softek have ganged up to launch a raid on rival M86’s reseller base

Softek was axed from M86’s distribution line-up last month, but will offer PineApp as an alternative to its 30 former M86 partners.

James Baker, senior account manager at Softek, claimed PineApp trumped M86 thanks to its simple pricing structure.

“We were also looking to take on an archiving solution, which PineApp provides,” he said.

PineApp previously worked solely through Security IP, but business development director Dominic Hoskins said the vendor required extra fire power.

“Softek gives us far wider exposure to the channel, and as it was an M86 distributor we fill a gap in its portfolio.

“Our first-year costs are typically better than IronPort’s renewal cost,” he said.

Andi Robinson, managing director of Security IP, said Softek’s signing had come as a surprise but it was a logical move. “PineApp is reasonably well established so itprobably needs a second distributor,” he said.

Nick Hawkins, vice president of EMEA sales at M86, said: “I have not come across PineApp personally, but I wish them all the best.”