Diagonal Security docks at IronPort

Email gateway manufacturer signs up VAR for its market strength

Email security gateway maker IronPort has added VAR Diagonal Security to its UK channel as the vendor attempts to reinvent email security.

The indirect-selling firm began its UK sales push with the signing of Computacenter as its first VAR and Westcon as a distributor earlier this year. IronPort chose Diagonal, which also works with Clearswift, Check Point, Trend Micro and Blue Coat, because of its strength in the security market.

"Diagonal is trusted in security and has a strong vendor portfolio that compliments our product," said Steve Ronskley, managing director Europe of IronPort.

He added that Diagonal's professional services arm is a key reason for the deal.

IronPort took two years to build its email server and develop an engine that uses new technology. "We were an engineering company for two years while developing a new appliance. Our competitors were just using the existing platform," Ronskley said.

He added that the firm's commitment to the channel is strong.

"From past experience I have seen a mixed channel is problematic to manage and reduces partners' confidence," he said.

The vendor revealed there are more deals with "well-known" security VARs in the pipeline.

Arthur Barnes, senior consultant at Diagonal, said IronPort's product will be the VAR's first dedicated anti-spam appliance.

"A lot of our customers are talking about spam and the problems it creates in their businesses. We wanted an appliance because the industry is moving towards [appliances]. They are easier to manage," he said.

Barnes added that Diagonal is attracted to IronPort's technology skills. "It has an engineering-led approach and we have confidence in its technology," he said.

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