Bell Micro claims it was caught cold by Secure Computing’s decision to axe it from its UK distribution line-up.

After recently hinting it would tweak its distribution strategy, Secure this week informed resellers that it will work exclusively through Sphinx for its web security, email security and firewall products.

Secure’s third distributor, IQ-Sys, will remain on board for its authentication technology.

Steve Browell, general manager security division Europe for Bell, said: “This caught us completely broadsided. I think we have done a great job for Secure and my reaction is one of shock and frustration.

“We only know the official line, which is that Secure wanted to have a more focused and streamlined channel into end users so its communications message is less likely to be diluted.”

However, Browell, said the termination would have minimal impact on the distributor’s recently-outlined security growth plans.

Secure’s new regional director, Kieran Lees, recently told CRN he was reviewing the vendor’s distribution strategy.

“It is very important that any messages coming from us around product are put through as seamlessly as possible, which calls for much tighter alignment with our key partners,” he said at the time.