Linux distributor Interactive Ideas has grabbed a minority stake in an India-based open source services firm, in a bid to bolster its service offering for resellers.

Interactive will provide a UK route to market for Interfinet Technologies’ service offering after taking an 18 per cent shareholding in the firm.

According to Interactive, Interfinet is specialised in the customisation of open source software projects for deployment into SMEs in western Europe and the USA.

Michael Trup, managing director of Interactive, said the deal would extend Interactive’s open source solutions.

“Our Linux business is growing strongly and this is telling us that open source has now reached a tipping point. We think there are some great opportunities at the application and integration layer to provide services for our resellers over the coming months,” he said.

Bhabani Dash, managing director of Interfinet said: “We seemed to share a corporate culture of putting relationships first when dealing with Interactive.

“Our business has been growing strongly but we felt that some additional capital and more importantly the channel access and expertise they bring to the table will allow us to grow the company much more quickly and successfully.”