Allasso underpins Bluesocket growth
Vendor looks to strengthen presence
Wireless security vendor Bluesocket is looking to strengthen its presence in the education, healthcare, finance and manufacturing sectors through a new UK distribution deal with Allasso.
Allasso will join equIP, the vendor's other distribution partner, in an attempt to build Bluesocket's UK reseller base and educate enterprises about the need for wireless LAN (WLAN) security.
The deal builds on Allasso's partnership with Bluesocket in mainland Europe, where it distributes the vendor's Wireless Gateway products which secure and control access to wireless voice and data networks.
Martin Cassidy, Bluesocket's vice-president EMEA, claimed the deal will increase the vendor's customer base.
"Wireless uptake is being driven by end-user demand but it's up to the vendors to provide secure, manageable plans that satisfy the policies of the IT department," said Cassidy.
"We continue to be committed to the channel on a selective rather than a mass basis, as quality WLAN installations require expertise."
Nicola Quincey, Allasso's business development manager, said the distributor is in talks with 30 resellers to build Bluesocket's UK channel, and is undertaking training and accreditation programmes for sales and technical staff.
It will also provide marketing funds to help educate enterprises about WLAN security and Bluesocket products.
"Security is often an afterthought. All you need is one user to put in a wireless card and expose the whole network to security dangers," said Quincey.
Bluesocket said it will continue to focus on the education sector - having signed up 45 universities in 18 months - but that it will also increase its efforts in other industries, including finance, manufacturing and healthcare.