McAfee quick to quash VAR cutback rumours

Security giant McAfee has downplayed speculation that it is to focus on its top 30 UK resellers after downsizing its channel sales team.

Sources close to events claim the vendor’s remaining channel managers have each been briefed to work with just 10 accounts.

One insider, who wished to remain anonymous, told CRN: “We understand McAfee is looking at the top 30 partners and that will be a mix of systems integrators, VARs and DMRs. Clearly some of its SME resellers will lose direct contact with McAfee.”

Paul Spencer, managing director of McAfee Elite partner Axial Systems, said he understood fulfilment-only partners could be sidelined.

“We have had it confirmed that we are very much a part of McAfee’s future plans and see its decision to focus on a smaller number of partners as a positive step,” he said.

However, McAfee itself is remaining tight-lipped on developments. Although partners have been told that eight of McAfee’s channel team have been axed, the vendor insisted employee talks are ongoing.

In a statement, Sarah Whipp, EMEA vice president of marketing at McAfee, said: “Discussions with the individuals affected by the recent changes to McAfee’s channel team in Europe are still underway and the employees involved have been provided with a list of available jobs for which they are qualified.

“McAfee will continue to actively manage its Elite, Premier, CSI, distribution and small business partners,” she added.

Paul Anderson, UK and Ireland sales director at rival vendor Trend Micro, claimed the cut-backs would create “fear and uncertainty among McAfee resellers”.