IronPort takes model U-turn

Email security vendor IronPort has re-embraced a two-tier channel model in the UK after signing up Cisco distributor Comstor for its mid-market products.

The appointment comes just 15 months after the vendor dramatically dumped distributors DNS Arrow and Sphinx in the wake of its acquisition by Cisco.

James Lee, SME channel manager for northern Europe at IronPort, said: “About four months ago, IronPort introduced a new product set ­ the IronpoPort Spam and Virus Blocker ­ aimed at the mid-market
which the channel can easily add value to.

“This meant that IronPort could begin to reach alternative markets besides the enterprise. Comstor will drive the products into the SME space, as a direct model does not scale in this area.”

Mark Hatton, managing director of Sphinx, said: “It was obvious that IronPort was going to go down the Cisco channel; it is a shame that it did not have the guts to admit it at the time.”