Cohort Technology has replaced Horizon equIP as the sole UK distributor for intrusion prevention (IPS) vendor Top Layer, and has kicked off the partnership by launching a trade-in programme.

Cohort is offering “attractive” commercial terms in an attempt to lure customers of TippingPoint, Reflex Security and ISS to switch to Top Layer's IPS 5500 product.

"Some of these vendors have taken their eye off IPS,” claimed Grahame Smee, managing director of Cohort.

Matthew Tedstone, chief operating officer of Horizon, said equIP technically still had a contract with Top Layer but admitted the pair would have limited engagement.

"You have to look at the Gartner quadrant to understand how compelling Top Layer is.­ We favour vendors in the top right, not the bottom left,” he said.

Matthew Percival, sales director at Top Layer, said: “We have divorced ourselves from equIP as since its acquisition by Horizon it has gone on to be a more broad-based player.”