Computerlinks gets virtual with VMC

Caughtry: security players are slowly starting to wake up to the virtualisation world

Computerlinks has taken a further step into the virtualisation space following its partnership with Virtual Machine Company (VMC).

Under the terms of the deal, the distributor will supply the vendor’s plug-and-play VSA virtualisation appliances ­ the VSA200, VSA400 and VSA800 ranges ­ to its UK and Ireland reseller base.

David Caughtry, director of e-business at Computerlinks, said: “We have been in the virtualisation market for some time by the nature of our partnership with vendors such as Citrix and Avocent.

“There is a huge growth opportunity [in the virtualisation space] and we want to have a foot in that market.

He added: “The security players we partner are slowly starting to wake up to the virtualisation world and realise that their technology needs delivering, not only the traditional way but in a virtual manner as well.”

Caughtry added that the distributor is keen to recruit resellers on behalf of the vendor,­ both security VARs and also more traditional virtualisation specialists.

Rob Gilson, sales director at VAR 360is, said: “In the past 18 months, we have been searching for a solution that meets customer demands because they are not being met by other vendors. We have been very successful in closing a number of deals since we signed with VMC.

“It also gives jaded systems engineers something new to talk about and differentiate themselves in the market. Combined with Computerlinks’ backing of the products, it is a great proposition to take forward.”

Steve Barnett, managing director of VMC, said: “The relationship with Computerlinks gives us the missing element and allows us to play on a more international stage. The fact that they can solve any problems within four hours through their global support centres is also a great selling point for partners.”