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24 Nov 2008
A group of prominent VARs are aiming to raise the barrier of entry into the security channel by forming a governing authority.
While still at an embryonic stage, the Council for Ethical Data Security Integrators (CEDSI) already enjoys the backing of top names such as Secon, GSS and Integralis.
Rob Gupta, managing director of Secon, said the creation of a body with rule-making, investigatory and enforcement powers could help to stamp out the security channel’s notorious cost-plus-one culture.
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“At the moment there are very low barriers to entry in our industry, but more importantly end customers are not getting the expertise and support they need from fulfilment, broadline, software licence and start-up resellers,” he said.
The body will also act as a point of escalation for end users looking for reputable security suppliers.
CEDSI’s code of conduct is yet to be drawn up, but Gupta revealed it could include requirements on technical headcount and references.
David Hobson, managing director of GSS, said he and Gupta would canvass interest before kicking off a consultation process next year.
“There is no restriction on numbers, just quality,” Hobson said. “We do not want it to be an exclusive boys’ club, just an industry association that can maintain an ethical standard.”
Graham Jones, UK managing director of Integralis, said: “We are happily tracking this and will join it depending on what it looks like.”
Bob Tarzey, service director at analyst Quocirca, said it is a good idea in
principle.
“Buyers need to differentiate between general purpose resellers and security
specialists who understand their needs. There are already ways to ascertain the
credentials of a reseller, but this would provide a fast track.”
He also argued the need for an industry body with a code of conduct for members was more pressing in the security sector than elsewhere.
“IT security is becoming a critical issue as the penalties of not securing data are particularly severe,” he said. “It is not just a case of having a slow network”.
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